Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $100,000 utilities appropriation to replace failing meter setters and check valves
Summary
Supervisors approved a $100,000 appropriation to replace faulty meter-setter assemblies and in-line check valves that have been cracking underground in two neighborhoods, causing backward meter reads and estimated lost flows; utilities staff said replacements will use properly designed in-ground setters with check valves.
Utilities staff explained failures in meter-setter assemblies and in-line check valves in two neighborhoods (Kennington and Macauley Townhomes). Staff said the existing setters installed by developers were not designed for underground installation and have been cracking; the failures caused meters to read backward and contributed to measurable losses in returned flow (staff estimated roughly 1,000 gallons per week in affected areas).
To resolve the issue and prevent future failures in new construction, staff requested a $100,000 appropriation to replace inappropriate setters with properly designed in-ground setters with integral check valves and to pre-purchase parts for new construction installs. The finance director confirmed available fund balance and recommended the appropriation. The board approved the appropriation by roll-call vote; staff described a plan to replace failing devices as they arise and proactively replace sets at undeveloped lots to avoid recurring failures.
Board members asked who specified the original equipment and whether developers or designers should bear liability; staff said the initial choices were made during development and spec’d differently, but the county is addressing the operational failures now to protect system integrity.
