New water meters being installed in first areas of Sanger

The City of Sanger has started a meter conversion project for all of its residential and commercial water utility customers. The company Aqua-Metric was chosen to replace outdated meters with upgraded meters as part of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure.

The first areas on the list to have the new digital water meters installed in Sanger are the following:  Indian Springs, Southwest Estates, and Quail Run.

The City of Sanger has contracted with Aqua-Metrics to perform a water meter replacement program.  Aqua-Metrics and their sub-contractor, Compass, will be starting in your area soon.  Aqua-Metric and Compass employees will be properly identified with their company logo on their vehicles and uniforms.  Employees will not have to enter your home at any time to perform work. In most cases, the work will be performed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There may be some work performed on Saturday. 

Replacing a meter will involve going onto the property of water utility customers to remove the current meter serving the property and replace it with a new AMI meter. The installation typically takes less than 30 minutes for each location, during which time the water to the property will be temporarily turned off.  

The City of Sanger employees will be with Aqua-Metric crews during most of the project. 

Water utility customers will receive a door hanger notifying them that their water meter has been changed or if the water meter could not be changed due to various issues, like a locked fence or loose animal.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Sanger Customer Service at (940) 458-7930.

Q&A:

1.What are the new digital water meters?

Aqua Metric's new digital water meters will be installed to replace the City’s current meters. Also known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure. The digital water meters provide customers with accurate, near real-time data on their individual water usage. This technology will help customers gain deeper insight and understanding of how and when they use water.

2.What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure?

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a system of transmitters, towers, and receivers that allow your water usage data to be sent using a radio frequency signal. This will allow for two-way electronic communication between your meter and utility personnel.

3.How does the new technology work?

Digital water meter readings are encrypted and sent through an automated network, using a private radio frequency (RF) channel, from the digital water meter to the utility. The meter data display looks similar to the numbers on a car odometer and has nine digits. The digits on the meter represent the number of gallons consumed down to 1/100th of a gallon. The last two digits can be used as leak indicators to detect water flow through the meter.

4.Why are we getting new water meters?

Water meters are necessary to determine how much water is used by residents/businesses. As water meters age, they tend to slow down and become less accurate. The new digital water meters are designed to help customers understand their usage and save money on their water bills.

5.How do the new digital water meters benefit me?

Customers can monitor their water usage more closely through the new customer web portal to manage and reduce costs associated with their water bills. Some of the many benefits customers gain from the new technology include:

The ability to track water usage and investigate possible leaks or continuous water use, such as a running garden hose or leaky water pipe.

Precise meter readings and water usage data in near real-time, allowing for identification of high usage and suspected leaks.

More frequent meter readings, as opposed to monthly readings, which allow you to make necessary adjustments sooner to reduce and manage costs.

Improved customer service options, including representatives who can guide you through your water usage portal and suggest cost-saving tips based on your past usage patterns and trends.

6.How much will the digital water meters cost me?

The project was financed through the City’s Capital Improvement Project funds. Customers will not incur any additional cost for the digital water meters.

7.Will my water bill increase?

Possibly. There are two primary reasons you might see an increase in your water bill. The new water meters will measure water more accurately; therefore, if your old meter was inaccurate or potential leaks have gone unnoticed, you may notice an increase in your bill based on actual consumption. However, if your old meter was operating properly, you may not see any changes in your monthly bill.

8.When will my meter be replaced?

The installation technicians will begin work across the City in mid-January. The meter replacement service will take place between 8:00 am and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

9.Will my water service be interrupted during the installation?

Yes, but only briefly – typically 15 to 30 minutes while the meter is being replaced. The installation technician will notify you in advance of a brief water outage during the meter replacement service.

10.Do I need to be present during the meter replacement service?

No. Your meter is accessible from the exterior of the dwelling, and you are not required to be present during the installation service. The installation technician will attempt to notify any occupants of the water outage prior to temporarily disconnecting your water. You are required to ensure the meter is free and clear of any debris or obstructions that may prevent the technician from replacing the meter. If the meter is located within a fenced area that contains animals, we ask that you secure the animals for the safety of the animal and technician.

11.What should I do if my water line has air or the water is not clear?

When your water service is restored, you may experience a brief period of air or discolored water. In most cases, running your cold water will clear the lines of air or discoloration. In the event of prolonged air or discoloration, please contact the utility immediately to correct the issue.

12.How secure is my data and information?

Data from the meters is encrypted and sent to the utility databases through a safe and secure network. The meter system transmits only the water meter readings, the meter identification number, and diagnostic information to verify that the automated meter equipment is operating correctly. Only key authorized utility personnel, such as customer service representatives, can access your account if needed.

13.Are the new digital water meters safe for me and my family?

Yes. Digital water meters operate at much lower radio frequency levels than cell phones, microwaves, wireless routers, and even baby monitors.

14.Will the electronic device on the meter interfere with other electronic equipment?

No. The radio transmission operates in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices.

15.What if there is a leak at the meter or problems after the meter is replaced?

Please contact the Utilities department at (940) 458-7930. For after-hours, holiday, or weekend emergencies, please contact (940) 299-5358.

16.Who can I contact if I have any additional questions regarding the new technology, water meters, and/or installation services?

You may contact the City of Sanger Customer Service Department at (940) 458-7930 during normal business hours.