Palmyra approves 30-meter cellular pilot to test remote reads

Palmyra’s board approved a 30-meter pilot of cellular-read water meters to evaluate remote reading and leak detection before committing to a phased replacement across the system.

Unidentified Speaker 1 described two meter vendors and said the proposed 30-meter package would cost $8,550. The meters were described as cellular and able to be read every five minutes; board discussion emphasized the absence of a recurring annual fee for the cellular option (in contrast to other meters that charge an annual service fee). A plan was proposed to replace about 30 meters per month thereafter, a rollout that could take up to five years to replace roughly 1,876 meters in the system.

The board agreed to start the 30-meter trial, request a written contract and receive a trial update in 30–60 days before deciding on broader procurement. Unidentified Speaker 1 said the trial will allow staff to assess remote reads and whether the meters help detect bridal (billing) leaks.

Next steps: staff will obtain and circulate a contract for the trial meters, begin the pilot, and return with performance data and a recommendation for systemwide replacement.