Public works reports efficiency gains from smart meters; sewer equipment and stormwater needs flagged

Town public-works staff presented an annual operations update on Jan. 8, telling the NorthlakeTown Council that installation of cellular 'smart' water meters eliminated roughly 3,300 labor-intensive work orders (final reads and new connects), improved customer leak detection via a mobile app and reduced water waste.

Staff reviewed multi-year trends in connections and meter activity, explained that wholesale water is procured from Fort Worth and the Upper Trinity water systems and described maintenance work: signs and markings (79 new signs, 41 replacements, ~19,000 linear feet of striping), stormwater education and enforcement (127 enforcement actions linked to MS4 requirements after the town reached urban thresholds), and a sewer-line cleaning target of 30 miles per year hampered this year by equipment problems.

Public works advised the council the town’s sewer cleaner is near end of life and staff expect to start replacement planning in a future budget cycle (FY27–28). Staff also outlined plans to pursue American Public Works Association (APWA) accreditation, citing expected benefits in operations, risk management and standardization. The mayor and council asked about volunteer opportunities for sewer work, timing for a road-name sign change (to coordinate with 9‑1‑1/route changes) and details about meter rollouts in subdivisions.

Staff said they will follow up on timing for the road sign swaps, continue public outreach for the MS4 program and proceed with APWA self-assessment steps toward an October submission.