ATTENTION: WATER METER IMPROVEMENTS – STARTING MAY 2024
Dear Valued Customer,
As part of ongoing improvements to efficiently deliver safe, reliable water service to our customers, Department of Water Resources (Citrus County Utilities) is implementing a water meter system upgrade project starting May 2024. Crews will be installing new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters in the areas of Sugarmill Woods, Chassahowitzka, S Suncoast Blvd, Cardinal Street and EL Dorado to residential and commercial properties. The installations are anticipated to continue for 2 – 3 months. Please review the following information about the project. There are no actions required by our customers during this process.
WHY: Meters are installed on the water service lines located in easements around residences or businesses to accurately measure the water being used. The new AMI “smart meters” will improve the accuracy of water flow monitoring, help detect leaks, and increase overall system reliability. The improvements will also allow customers to monitor their water use and provide features that allow Citrus County Utilities to remotely read the meters for billing.
WHO: The installation work is being done by Aqua Meter Consultants; an experienced subcontractor for Core and Main LP, an approved vendor for Citrus County. Contractor vehicles will be identifiable by their Aqua Meter and/or Citrus County Utilities decals. Please note that at no time will these contractors need to enter the property.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- On the day of installation, an Aqua Meter contractor will knock on your door before beginning installation to notify anyone in the house or business that the work is being performed.
- If there is no answer and the current meter is not reading any water usage, work will begin.
- If the current meter is reading water use, the contractor will bypass the house/location and return later that day or the next business day.
- The installation process will take approximately 30-45 minutes and does not require an occupant to be at the property.
- Water service may be temporarily stopped for 20-30 minutes during the installation.
- Upon completion of the work, the contractor will notify the resident that the installation is complete by knocking on the door. If the resident is not home or on site, a notification will be placed on the front doorknob indicating completion of the installation.
- Crews will flush service lines on the exterior of the residences and businesses following the shutoff. Customers may also want to briefly run water through interior plumbing fixtures after the meter is changed.
KEY BENEFITS: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meters
- Better monitoring – allowing early leak detection, saving water and money.
- Quicker response to issues – reducing the time it takes to respond to emergencies or service disruptions.
- Accurate billing – minimizing errors through more precise consumption data.
- Real-time data – allowing for quicker resolution to billing questions and providing customers access to monitor and adjust usage as needed.
- Improved efficiency – replacing older, aging meters with state-of-the-art equipment will reduce system-wide operations and maintenance costs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What exactly will be installed at my property?
A: The new system consists of an integrated meter and radio transmitter. Meters that are not currently Sensus iPerls will be replaced and a new transmitter installed on the meter box lid. Existing Sensus meters only need to be retrofitted with a new transmitter on the meter box lid.
Q: How do the new meters work?
A: Data from the meters is encrypted and sent through a secure network to utility databases. 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.
Q: Will I pay more for water because of the change?
A: Your water rate will not change due to the installation of the new meter. You will not be charged for the installation of this meter. As meters age, they tend to run slower and may not accurately measure the water going through them. You may notice changes in your water bill since your water usage will be more accurately reflected. The new meters will simply record consumption more accurately.
Q: What if there is a leak at the meter or any other problem after the meter is replaced?
A: The door hanger that will be left by the contractor after the meter installation is complete will have a phone number on it. Please call this number if you experience any leaks or other problems after the meter is replaced.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact Citrus County Water Resources, Utility Business Services at (352) 527-7650.