Inside Every Home Water Meters Will Be Replaced
By, Crystal A. Proxmire, 1/15/2010
Over the next 18 months the Department of Public Works and their contractors SLC Meter Service will be entering every home in the city to upgrade the water meter, with a new digital meter reading system with radio transmission.
“We are trying to go green,” says Water Department Supervisor Daniel Harper. “With this new system there is no need to drive to every block to read the meters, it is all done through radio signals. Also we can tell if we have a backflow condition, or if the customer has a large leak in their house, the computer will red-flag the address.”
The project will cost $1.9 million dollars, and will be done in phases starting with the south east district, which is from 8 Mile to 9 Mile east of Hilton. Replacement will begin on January 18, 2010. Letters will be sent to every home, and residents can call SLC toll-free at 1-800-335-1448 to schedule their appointments once they receive the letters. Most meters are inside the house and likely in the basement.
While the meter is being replaced, the water will be turned off for approximately 45 minutes. Harper asks that residents make sure that the area around the meters is accessible to the workers, as well as access to the meters located outside the home.
Those with questions can call the Department of Public Works at 248-546-2514 weekdays from 7:30 am to 4pm.