City launches $2 million initiative to replace failing water meters

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant $2 million investment aimed at replacing aging water meters that have been failing at an increasing rate. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the declining accuracy of water usage measurements, which directly impacts revenue for the water fund. As water meters age, they tend to underreport usage, leading to financial losses for the municipality.

The project is expected to be a multi-year effort, with the initial funding set at $2 million, although officials indicated that the total cost could rise to between $2.5 million and $2.7 million in future requests. This funding will allow the hiring of a contractor to begin the replacement process, which is deemed essential to maintain accurate billing and service delivery.

In addition to the meter replacement project, the meeting highlighted other ongoing initiatives at the water plant, including annual budget allocations for microfiltration and reverse osmosis system replacements. However, no immediate spending is planned for these items.

Officials also addressed the need for a reservoir engineering study, noting previous unsuccessful attempts to hire a firm for the project. Plans are in place to reissue requests for qualifications early next year to secure an engineering partner.

Furthermore, a budget of approximately $750,000 was earmarked for in-house meter replacements, allowing staff to address immediate failures or issues with existing meters. Other budget considerations included building improvements at the water plant and necessary site repairs for water, sewer, and electric services.

This meeting underscored the municipality's commitment to maintaining infrastructure and ensuring reliable water service for its residents.