A free water meter upgrade in Nahant, Massachusetts, could detect water leaks and improve billing accuracy, but still leave some customers with higher bills, even if their water use stays the same.
Here's what to know
Property owners won't pay a replacement charge, but participation is mandatory. The town's Department of Public Works is managing the work at every home and commercial property, according to Itemlive.
Mailed notices will explain how to book appointments and what residents and business owners should expect during installation. Hydro Utilities LLC will handle the installations for the town.
Nahant officials are asking customers not to delay booking once their notice arrives.
More background
The age of Nahant's equipment is driving the replacement effort, with much of it already beyond its expected accuracy period. According to the DPW, meters generally remain accurate for 12 to 15 years, but their accuracy can decline after that.
An unchanged household routine may still produce a higher bill after the swap: a new meter can register water consumption that an older, underreporting meter missed.
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Manual readings will give way to remotely collected, real-time water-use information when the town introduces Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, Itemlive reports.
A more reliable and accurate water system is among the DPW's stated goals for the technology, along with more streamlined billing and meter readings.
What's being done?
Comparing water use over time will be possible through an online customer portal accompanying the new meters. The portal will also display daily consumption information.
To help catch plumbing problems before costly bills arrive, customers can request leak alerts delivered by email or text.
Before admitting anyone for a mandatory meter replacement, residents should confirm the worker's identity, the DPW advises. Hydro Utilities employees completing the work will have badges bearing photo identification and use vehicles with clear markings, giving residents two specific identifiers to check before granting access.
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover billing disputes, faulty meters, and tools for tracking water use.
• In Odessa, Texas, hundreds say new meters quadrupled bills as the city fights refunds.
• Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, plans to test smart water meters after residents' bills soared.
• In Texarkana, customers can track hourly water use after smart meter bill spikes.
• In Fowler, California, a $40 bill became $3,700, and officials found 900 faulty meters.
• A Los Angeles couple received a $9,200 water bill after their meter stayed broken for years.
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