2025 Rate Study

Presentation to Council
Ordinance Approved Water and Sewar Rate

City meters are currently being upgraded to Automated Meter Reading Systems. This new technology transmits consumption data every 24 hours.

The new meters will allow customers to track their water usage in real-time through an app, Eye on Water. The ability to see water usage in real-time, and be alerted to incidences of high use will aid in the early detection of costly leaks. It will also allow customers to monitor their water usage when away from their home or business. Additional information about the application will be forthcoming in the near future as the system is implemented.

FAQ:
Why is my water meter being replaced? Over time, water meters become les accurate and can provide inaccurate water readings. By replacing meters, our city will be able to bill for accurately and efficiently for water usage. In addition, the new system will include an automatic meter reading technology that will save labor time, prevent any recording errors, minimize wear and tear on vehicles, minimize the needs for the city to go on the private property of residents, and potentially allow water line leaks to be identified earlier by analysis of data collected. 

Does this mean my bill will be increasing? The new meters will simply record consumption more accurately. In some cases, your bill may increase, but only if your current meter is underreporting usage. Presently the majority of residents are paying for the water they are actually using, while a few residents are only paying for a fraction of the water. This condition is not fair to all residents. The City does not intend to make bills retroactive where under-billing has been noted. The new system will ensure fairness and equality for all the residents and businesses in the City from this point forward. 

How will this affect my service? The Public Works Department will come to your residence and replace your meter. The water meter will be checked to verify that water is presently not in use. If no water is being used the meter will be replaced. There will be interruption of service for approximately 15-30 minutes during the change. 

In an effort to protect sensitive customer information from predatory practices, the legislature passed H.B. 872, which applies to information held by a municipally owned utility (MOU) that provides water, wastewater, sewer, gas, garbage, electricity, or drainage service.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, an MOU may NOT disclose customer information (including the customer’s address) under the Public Information Act (PIA) UNLESS the customer elects to make the information public or certain exceptions apply. Also excluded from public disclosure is information: (1) that reveals whether an account is delinquent or eligible for disconnection; and (2) collected as part of an advanced metering system.