Q:What do I do if my water is discolored or making a noise?
This is very common after a meter replacement. Simply open the faucet and run for a few minutes to let any air (which causes noise) or debris (which causes discoloration) to flow through.
Q:Will my landscaping be affected?
Most replacements will have limited disturbance to the site and the contractor will be restoring pre-site conditions following the replacement.
Q:Will my lawn or landscaping be affected?
Most replacements will have limited disturbance to site property and the contractor will be restoring to pre-work conditions following completion.
Q:Will this affect my water bill?
The meter replacement program is intended to proactively replace meters before they reach the end of their lifespan, so there may be no change to your bill amount. If your meter was not working properly or was an older meter style your bill may increase to reflect a more accurate representation of your water usage. The new meters are highly accurate and will measure customer usage on hourly intervals and may register lower flows that your previous older meter may not have captured. Although this may cause your bill to increase slightly, the new meter is now more accurately reading your water consumption. The benefits of improved and more accurate usage information will reduce wasted water and enhance the system's capability to identify stopped meters and detect leaks.
Q:Will this work require access to my property? Will I be able to access the sidewalk near the meter?
Most meter boxes are located outside between the home/building and the street/parking area. Yes, the water meter replacement work and inspections will require temporary site access, but no action is needed unless the meter is obstructed and the contractor cannot access it. Typically, meter replacements will not require any closures of streets or driveways. However, there may be unique circumstances where a portion of the travel lane or sidewalk may be temporarily closed in order to allow the contractor to work as quickly and safely as possible. Traffic will still flow as usual with safety signs in place to direct you around the work zones.
Q:What do I need to do? Do I need to be home? Do I need to do anything?
No, you do not need to be home or present during the replacement. If your meter box is currently blocked or inaccessible for any reason, we ask that you kindly remove any obstructions to facilitate a smooth replacement. After completion, we do recommend that you run water through your faucet for a few seconds to clear any air that might be in the lines due to the replacement. The replacement technician will attempt to run an outdoor faucet if available.
Q:What time of day will the work occur?
Most of the meter replacement project work will occur between 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional work being completed on Saturday between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, evening work may be required when the crew has scheduled with the account holder or on-site representative.
Q:I want to schedule a custom time for replacement because I have concerns.
We cannot offer customized scheduling for all replacements. The contractor will be on site one to two days before replacement for coordination and can make arrangements at that time. Their information will be left on a door hanger in case you’re not present during the preliminary site visit.
Q:Will my water be shut off? How long will my water service be disrupted?
For most single family homes, a brief interruption of service is expected. For businesses and larger meters that typically have a bypass valve, our goal is that your water service will be maintained throughout the project. When there is no way to bypass the flow of water through the meter, or if the meter or service lines are damaged, we will work to pre-schedule the work. Unexpected leaks or damages can exist which will require the system to be shut down for repair. The length of time needed to repair the line and resume water service varies depending on the severity of the damage. As always, crews will do everything they can to make the needed repairs and return water service to you as soon as possible.
Q:When will my meter be replaced?
For meters included in the meter replacement program, we can't guarantee exact timing over the course of the year. The project website map will be periodically updated to reflect anticipated timing. For any meter replacement, whether part of the program or not, you will receive a door hanger a few days prior to the actual replacement, as well as a door hanger once completed.
Q:Is my meter being replaced as a part of this project?
Our meter team routinely replaces water meters as needed and the meter replacement program is focused on proactively replacing the oldest meters in our system. For any meter replacement, whether it is part of the program or not, you will receive a door hanger a few days prior to the actual replacement, as well as a door hanger following completion. Meters included in the current year's program will receive a project flyer, you can also use the project website map to determine if your meter is part of this project.
