Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Water topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews water‑billing adjustments; city plans full meter replacement to reduce loss
Summary
Council approved an adjustment resolution for water accounts and heard updates that the city will replace approximately 19,000 meters and transmitters; staff and council said replacement could recover an estimated 10–15% of lost water and that the meter replacement project is expected to be bid in August.
Port Arthur council considered a resolution (PR24421) authorizing adjustments to certain water utility accounts under city code sections and discussed meter accuracy, leak‑adjustment procedures and a city replacement program on July 15.
During the item’s discussion, staff explained leak‑adjustment procedures: when meter readings or consumption spikes suggest a leak, a technician will be dispatched, a door tag left and the customer notified; after repair a customer can submit a leak adjustment application with receipts for repair and the billing office will consider an adjustment, depending on length of the leak and documentation.
Council members raised broader concerns about unbilled usage and meter accuracy. City staff and utility department representatives said the city has roughly 19,000 active accounts and that the meter‑replacement project (meters and transmitters) has been advertised for bids, with bids expected in August. The project will replace mechanical meters and older transmitters; City Water Department representatives said meters tested in the system had been reading at about 85–90% accuracy and that replacement could capture an estimated 10–15% of current water loss.
Meter project staff said the city will supervise the contractor, that some large meters are sent out for outsourced calibration every two years, and that work to replace meters could reveal meters in the ground that lack active accounts. Council members asked staff to notify residents about potential billing changes when new meters begin recording more accurately, since some customers could see higher bills if prior meters under‑reported usage.
The council voted to approve the adjustments resolution (PR24421) as part of regular business and also approved bid awards and change orders on separate agenda items related to capital projects.
