Meter Replacement Program

Over the past two years, the Water District staff has been converting old meters to new “Touch Read Meters” to better serve District customers and also provide a more efficient means for reading meters.  Touch Meters electronically read the meter by using a magnetic reader. 

Many of the District's water meters are 40+ years old and are due for replacement.  As with any measuring device, meters can become less accurate as they age and therefore may not measure all the water going through them.  The new replacement meters will provide a 100% accuracy rate reading of the water that is used. All new meters are tested at the factory to ensure that they register properly.  Should customers realize a higer water bill, it is usually not because the new meter is reading too high; it is because the old meter was running slow.

When a customer's meter is ready for replacement, the field crew person who is installing the meter will check to see if anyone is home before replacing the meter. If someone is home and it is inconvenient at that time to have the water off, the installer will return at a mutually agreeable day and time.  Should the timing of replacement be agreeable, there will be a temporary interruption in water service while the meter is being replaced - typically about 30-45 minutes. There are no charges assessed to the customer for installation of the new meter.  It is important to note that the customer is responsible for repairs, replacing and maintenance of the private water lines beginning at the customer valve and continuing onto the customer's property. 

The District has had a great deal of success with the new meters and meter reading equipment.  In addition, the new meters will free up time for staff to perform other important operational functions since the meter reading will be streamlined.  

To date, approximately 50% of the District’s 2,553 connections have been converted to the new system.  It is anticipated to have a full inventory conversion by 2009. 

Questions regarding the Meter Replacement Program should be directed to the Water District’s Customer Service staff at (805) 688-6015 or e-mailed to support@syrwd.org.