Program

Starting in 2011, the City has been replacing water meters throughout Geneva. The project was estimated to be completed in 2021; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this target date has been pushed back to 2022.

Background

The City has been replacing old meters with radio read ERT (Encoder Receiver Transmitter) technology. The City’s replacement program was implemented because the water meter remote is no longer being manufactured. The radio read ERT allows the City to use AMR (Automated Meter Reading) equipment to read the meters. AMR equipment allows employees to walk or drive a route and read the meters electronically, rather than walking up to each individual property, and manually keying the meter reading. There are many benefits and efficiencies due to this technology.

The Public Works Water Division is in the process of replacing all water meters within the City as part of its multi-year Water Meter Replacement Program. The City has approximately 8,500 water meters located on residents’ and business’ properties. As of mid-2021, about 91% of old water meters have been replaced with new water meters. The City remains on pace to change out the remaining 740 water meters within the scheduled time frame.

How Do the New Meters Work?

The new water meters operate differently than the old meters. The old meters have a flow chamber that turns as water flows through it and generates a pulse to an outside remote which changes the numbers on the outside remote dial. The old meters are manually read along with the Electric Division’s meters by a part-time meter reader. All of the new water meters in the City will have a transmitter sending readings from the meter to a database by radio transmission. Water consumption is the only data collected.

When your water meter is set to be replaced, you will receive a letter from the City requesting you to schedule a meter replacement appointment.

What to Expect

During this appointment, a Water Division representative will visit your home to replace the water meter, free of charge. Each appointment takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Be advised that during this process, the water will be shut off for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Appointments may be scheduled between the hours of 7:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.