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2017-2018 Water Meter Change Out Program

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1. What is the Water Meter Replacement Program?

This required system-wide program will replace existing water meters (inside) and replace remote devices (outside) with a new system - a Meter Interface Unit (MIU) - allowing the City to obtain readings using radio frequency technology.

2. How does the meter reading system work?

Each remote transmits the reading to our strategically placed collection system throughout the City. The reading is then sent back to our main office. Each meter has a unique identification number that insures that only your reading is being assigned to your account. The meter reading system will improve service to all of our customers by reducing estimated meter readings.

3. Who will be installing the upgrade?

The City of Elmhurst has hired a professional contractor, Siemens, who has the expertise to undertake this project. All field technicians will have appropriate photo identification, be professionally dressed and vehicles will be recognizable. You may call the contractor or the City to confirm that the contractor is working in your neighborhood.

4. Do I have to be home for the upgrade work?

Yes, since the water meters are located inside your home or building, someone over the age of 18 needs to be present during the installation. We ask that you please maintain access to the water meter.

5. What can I do to make the installation smoother?

Please keep the installation appointment as scheduled and have someone 18 years or older present during the installation. Finally, make sure our installer has adequate access to the (inside) meter.

6. What work is involved at my property?

Generally, the meter technician will locate your meter (inside), remove the old meter and install a new meter and electronic meter register. They will remove the old remote (outside) and replace with an MIU, low powered RF transmitter. The technician will obtain a reading from the meter and remote that he removed. They are responsible to clean up the work area and show you the readings they recorded on the work order. Please note that when you sign the work order, verify that the readings are correct.

7. How long will the installation upgrade take?

Under normal circumstances, the installation will take approximately 30 minutes. The water will be turned off for about 5-10 minutes until the meter is changed. Dewatering your line may result in some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water supply. This is normal and will clear after running your water for a few minutes.

8. Does this mean no more meter readers?

No, you will still see us in your neighborhood, just not as often. City of Elmhurst service personnel will visit your property for other scheduled routine service, maintenance or repair. We will continue to respond to water emergencies.

9. How will the data from my meter be used?

The City uses the data from the meter to generate water and sewer bills. The consumption data is also used in aggregate to understand peak usage factors that may affect the volume of water needed in the system at any given time.

10. Will the radio interfere with my television, cordless phone or other electronic devices?

No, the radio transmissions occur on a licensed frequency very different from those used by television signals, cordless phones and other electronic devices. There are no risks or hazards from the equipment.

11. Will the city be able to monitor water usage more frequently, therefore informing us earlier?

The new meters being installed will have the ability to detect leaks after the meter. It will require a discussion between resident (customer) and our customer service center to make sure the parameters for detecting a leak are acceptable to both parties.

12. Can we use the meter to monitor our own usage electronically?

We are currently looking at a customer service portal (access via smart phone or other smart devices) that would allow customers to monitor daily water use. The portal would let customers set usage alarms for high use, over budget use, or even use when out of town. This is NOT an option at this time. The alarms would be sent directly to your email or text number based on how customer sets up alarm notifications.

13. Is there any other device that could potentially help us to know when we may be using more water than we should?

Currently there is no device that will give you advance warning of a leak after the meter. The only current method is to manual read the meter daily and compare to expected use for that day.

14. Is this change out mandatory?

All water meters are scheduled for change out. In order for new Automatic Meter Reading infrastructure to work correctly, all current water meters shall need to be replaced.

15. Where is my water meter?

The majority of water meters will be found in the basement or crawl spaces. Normally they are located within the customers residence/building on the side of the house facing the street.

16. I cannot find my water meter in the house, where else might it be?

In our water distribution system there are about 350 water meters that are located in outside meter pits. If you have difficulty finding your water meter prior to its scheduled meter change out, please contact Paul Burris at 630-530-3042 or email at paul.burris@elmhurst.org for assistance.

17. Will the water meter be hooked up to my houses power?

NO. The meters and communication devices are battery operated. Batteries are estimated to last 15-20 years.

18. Where will communication device (MTU) be located?

The communication device (MTU) will be located on the outside of your home. There is already an communication device MTU on your home and it will just be replaced.

19. I lost my water meter change out notification letter, what number do I call?

1-866-260-3176

20. During the water meter change out, PMI will be documenting any Cross Connection Devices there may be on your water service you might have attached to system. What is a cross connection device?

A cross connection device is used to protect the public water system from the potential backflow that may occur from a customers water use. (ie service back into the City water distribution system) These devices are required by Law from the Illinois Plumbing Code, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois EPA and adopted by City of Elmhurst Code if you have a a boiler, process within your facility commercial/industrial that utilizes domestic City water, lawn irrigation sprinkler system or fire suppression systems sprinklers.

21. Will the installer need to drill new holes to mount the new radio transmitter?

The new radio transmitter will be placed in the same location as the old transmitter. The mounting specifications will be dealt with on a case by case basis depending on the structure. In most cases only one new hole will be needed and the size of the hole will be minimal. 

22. Do I need to be concerned with increased exposure to Radio Frequency in my new Smart Water Meters?

No. It is important to recognize that the Aclara Star Network operates on the 450-470 MH spectrum. This is a non ionizing spectrum that transmits 4 times per day at less than .75 Watts. Competing systems transmit up to every 7.5 minutes at 2 Watts and on the 950 MH spectrum. The radio frequency emitted from your microwaves and cell phones is multiple times stronger than your water meter. For more information please see this link.