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Public Works - Water - Water Meter Replacement

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1. Why is my water meter being replaced?

Water meters and their registers often lose accuracy as the age. therefore, they must be replaced every 20 to 25 years. In addition, the new sytsem will include new water meter technology that will save labor time, ensure accuracy, and minimize the need for utility employees to go on the private property of residents.

2. How does the new radio read device work?

The new water meter transmits a radio signal that is picked up by a City water meter reader as the reader drives by with a special reading device.

3. Where is my water meter located?

Most water meters are located about three feet off the floor in the basement of your home. It is usually located on the wall facing the street.

Water meters can sometimes be found in pits in older homes. The meter is not located outside. If you have a basement that has been finished, occasionally meters have been placed behind walls, in cabinets or other remodeled areas.

In some new condominiums, individual water meters are located in a utility room on the first level.

4. What does my meter look like?

Your current water meter is a device with a round face attached on each side to your water pipes. The face has dials and the numbers on the bottom read like a car odometer.

Your new meter will have a digital face without dials, and you will not see a meter reading unless you shine a flashlight into the light sensor.

5. What exactly will be installed at my property?

Your existing water meter will be replaced with a new water meter that contains a radio transmission device. It transmits the reading and a unique ID from the meter to a receiver that the meter reading staff uses.

6. Does my meter have to be exchanged?

Yes. The new meter is required for future billing.

7. What if I don't want my meter changed?

This is not an option; all meters will be changed.

8. How much will the new meter cost me?

There is no charge to individual customers for the meter replacement with the standard antenna. The new meters are an investment in our infrastructure that will improve billing efficiency and customer service.

If you are interested in alternate meter options, there are additional charges. Alternate Metering Options

9. Do installers need to come inside my house?

Yes, the water meter is located inside the home.

10. What will they do inside my house?

Installers will remove the old meter, install the new meter and clean up the area, if needed. Installers will have you sign a digital reader acknowledging the new meter has been installed, and provide you with an emergency phone number in the event you have questions or concerns after the installation.

11. Do I have to be present for the installation?

For your peace of mind, we require that an adult be present during the installation. The installer will not enter your home unless authorized to do so by someone 18 years old or older. The installer will not enter your home if your children are alone.

12. What if I am a tenant and do not own this property?

If you are a tenant, you will be asked to provide the installer with access to the meter. We also ask that you notify the owner of the property about the notification letter you received.

13. I am an owner and have tenants, but I do not reside at the property. What should I do?

If you have tenants but do not reside on your property, you are responsible for calling the installer for an appointment and for providing access to the meter.

14. Who will install the new system?

The City of South St. Paul has contracted with Ferguson Waterworks to install the new meters. The firm was selected via competitive bidding.

All Ferguson waterworks installers have completed training and background checks and will have photo identification, wear identifiable uniforms, and drive marked vehicles.

If you have any questions about the person at your door, please call 1-866-241-0323 to verify the identity.

15. When will the new water meter be installed in my home?

You will receive a letter asking you to call Ferguson Waterworks to schedule an appointment. You can schedule this appointment at your convenience, Monday through Saturday. Some evening appointments are available. Installation appointments will be scheduled in two-hour windows of time, for example, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL to schedule an appointment until you receive a letter asking you to do so.

All installations are planned to be completed in 2013.

16. What hours can you offer me?

Installers are available Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The schedule office is open Monday - Friday 7:30 to 5 p.m. should you need to re-schedule. The number is 1-888-818-8836 or you can schedule online at www.fergusonscheduling.com. Schedule online

17. What if I need to reschedule an appointment?

You will need to contact Ferguson Waterworks prior to your scheduled appointment day. The scheduling office is open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. should you need to re-schedule. The number is 1-888-818-8836 or you can schedule online at www.fergusonscheduling.com.

Schedule Online

18. When will this work be performed?

The project will be done throughout 2013. In most cases, the transition will be completely transparent and will not affect residents. The majority of the work will be performed during normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. however, arrangements for evening or Saturday installation will be available.

19. I own a business. Whom do I call to schedule an appointment?

The procedure for small commercial and residential water meters will be the same for scheduling purposes. Larger meters will require additional time with installers working to limit interruption of services.

20. How long does it take to install the service?

A typical residential installation will take less than 30 minutes, depending on how easily the installer can access your water meter. Ferguson Waterworks asks that you please be at home during the scheduled time.

For large commercial meters, significantly more time may be required.

21. How do I know who is authorized to do the work?

The City of South St. Paul has contracted with Ferguson Waterworks to conduct this service. They will be driving marked vehicles, wearing photo identification, and wearing uniforms.

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

The installer will turn off the water on either side of your old meter during the installation. A typical installation should take 30 minutes and the water will be turned back on when completed. In some cases, other repairs may be necessary, resulting in a longer interruption of service.

Once water service is restored, the installer will attempt to purse any air trapped in the service line. If some air is left in the line, you may notice a sputtering sound the first time you operate a fixture. This should only last a few seconds and will not cause any harm. The first few gallons of water may be discolored.

You can remove any additional air trapped din your line by running your cold water for a few minutes. Typically, the faucet on your laundry room tub can be opened to flush out trapped air.

23. What if the valves won't work or a valve is broken during installation?

The installers can freeze the inlet pipe long enough to replace the meter. If the water needs to be turned off at the stop box, this may involve rescheduling the appointment. If the valve is broken by our installer, it will be replaced.

24. May I change the valves while the water is off?

No.

25. How much room do installers need?

If possible, 3 foot by 3 foot is needed.

26. What if there is something in front of or blocking the meter?

Please plan to have clear access to the meter when the installer arrives.

The water meter is the property of the City of South St. Paul and homeowners are obligated to provide clear and unobstructed access to the water meter.

If there are boxes or stored items in the way, these items must be cleared prior to the arrival of the meter installer. The installer is not allowed to move your personal items and this may delay the installation process.

If, for any reason, the water meter has been covered by drywall or paneling, it is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that the meter is accessible.

It is your responsibility to make sure that the meter is completely accessible and the area is well lit.

27. What if there is a leak at the meter or any other problem after the meter is replaced?

The installer will explain procedures for problems prior to leaving a residence. You will be provided with an emergency phone number to call should any problems arise.

28. Can I cover up my meter after the install?

The meter needs to be accessible at any time. If you have done renovation work, your meter still needs to be accessible. This could be an access panel or other means of accessing it.

29. Is there any special care or maintenance that I need to do to my new meter?

No, your meter does not require any maintenance by the homeowner.

However, you should be careful not to damage the meter or allow temperatures in your basement to drop to levels that would freeze the meter during the winter months. be especially careful of your meter freezing if you have renovated and your meter is now behind a wall or panel.

You will be charged for replacing the meter if it should freeze or be damaged.

30. How will this affect my service?

There will be interruption of service for a few minutes during the change.

31. When was the last utility-wide meter replacement project?

Most meters were replaced in the mid-to-late 1980s.

32. Will I pay more for water because of the change?

No, your water rate will not change at the time the new meter is installed. Any future water rate increases/decreases will be the result of budgeting decisions.

33. Does this mean my bill will be increasing?

Not necessarily. In come cases, your bill may increase, but only if your current meter is under-registering usage. Presently the majority of residents are paying for the water they actually use, while a few residents are only paying for a portion of the water. This condition is not fair to all customers. The new system will ensure fairness and equality for all the residents and businesses from this point forward.

34. Will the appearance of my monthly bill change?

No.

35. What will be the time frame for future bills?

Bills will continue to be generated monthly for monthly accounts and quarterly for quarterly accounts.

36. How accurate are the readings from the radio transmitter?

Meter readings obtained over radio frequency transmissions are 100 percent accurate.

37. How often will you read my meter?

Your meter will be read at the same interval as it is now. If you receive a monthly bill, your meter will continue to be read monthly. If you receive a quarterly bill, your meter will continue to be read quarterly.

38. What if I need a meter reading between regular readings?

You can take a reading of the water meter yourself at any time.

39. What if I disagree with the reading?

You can take a reading of your meter at any time to compare to the bill.

40. Do the new meters have any other benefits for me?

Yes! We'll eliminate the need for manually reading meters. Accuracy will improve. In addition to speed and reliability, we won't have to enter your home, except for period maintenance or replacement of system components, when needed. Physical reads at your residence will not be required. The new meters also have the ability to detect a possible leak in your water system. 90 day usage information on a daily basis will also be available from the new system.

41. How is this project being funded?

Funding for this $1.6 million project is from the City's Water Utility Fund.

42. How secure is the data/information that will be transmitted?

Because of the equipment and frequencies being used, the information would be extremely difficult for unauthorized acquisition or hacking.

43. Will I be able to read y own meter?

Yes, the new meters will have a digital display so meters can be read manually.

44. What if we have a leak after the meter is installed?

The installers will make every effort to dispatch service personnel as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the leak and to take appropriate action. When your meter is installed, you will receive a phone number to call if there are any concerns or emergencies regarding the meter.

45. How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else's?

Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

46. Is there a hazard from the radio transmitter in my home?

Neptune, the manufacturer, states the radio devices comply with FCC Part 15.247 Regulations.
More information from Neptune

47. Is there anything hazardous inside the equipment?

No, only ordinary electronics and batteries are inside the equipment.

48. Will the radio interfere with my television, cordless phone, or pacemaker?

The transmitting devices operate in compliance with FCC 47 CFR Part 15 regulations, which require coexistence with other Part 15 certified devices. Within the 902-928 MHz frequency band, operation is limited to frequency hopping, direct sequence spread spectrum, and digital modulation intentional radiators. This rule facilitates multiple devices operating in the same location. This includes devices such as security systems, pacemakers, cell phones, and cordless phones. The meter/radio’s transmit signal is of very short duration (7 milliseconds), which further decreases the potential to interfere with other devices. For comparison, 7 milliseconds equates to approximately 1 minute per day of transmission time.

49. Is this system monitoring how many people are in my house?

No, this equipment does not monitor how many people are in the house or any personal activity. It is only capable of collecting the reading from the water meter and transmitting it to the receiver.