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Water Meter Replacement Project
The City of Richland Hills has begun a water meter replacement project to install residential and commercial water meters with an automatic (smart) meter reading system. Water meters are used to measure the amount of water delivered to our customers. Replacing old water meters with new smart meters will ensure we can accurately track water usage while reducing maintenance work.
Project Timeline
Water meter replacement is expected to begin in mid-March 2023 and end in October 2023.
Online Customer Portal
The project will also include an online customer portal to help customers gain a deeper insight into how and when they use water. Learn more about how to access the EyeOnWater Customer Portal (PDF). The online customer portal will be available approximately two weeks after your new smart water meter has been installed.
Smart Water Meter Benefits:
- Accurate and efficient meter reading and water billing
- Proactively conserve water
- Identify continuous usage
- Set up custom alerts
We look forward to offering this exciting technology to our residents. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Public Works via email or phone.
Background
In August 2022, the City of Richland Hills entered into a Performance Guarantee Contract with Performance Services of Texas, Inc. (PSI) for acquisition and installation of an advanced water meter infrastructure system. PSI's scope of work includes:
- Turnkey replacement of 3,113 existing mechanical water meters with new, metal ultrasonic meters (142 water meters do not need to be replaced)
- 3,255 cellular endpoints added to new and existing meters
- Replacement of up to 900 meter boxes, including matching composite lids
- Replacement of up to 300 additional meter boxes for damaged existing lids
- Implementation of a customer portal for real-time water usage information.
Estimated Project Cost
The total cost for the water meter replacement project is $2,406,753. The City has allocated $1,000,000 from cash reserves towards the project and the remaining $1,406,753 will be financed through a lease-purchase agreement.
- How much will the new meter cost me?
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There is no charge for the new meter.
- Will my water bill increase?
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As meters age, they tend to run slower and may not measure the water going through them. Depending on the age and accuracy of your existing meter or undetected leaks, you may experience a higher bill due to the accuracy of your new meter. The new meters will simply record consumption more accurately.
- Will my water service be interrupted during installation?
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Yes, there will be a temporary service interruption while the meter is replaced, but typically less than 30 minutes. A project representative will notify each customer prior to the installation of the new meter.
- Do I need to be home for the meter replacement work?
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No, you do not need to be home.
- Who will install the new meters?
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Contractors on behalf of the City and Performance Services, Inc., will replace the meters. Work crews will wear identification badges and carry a letter explaining why they are in the neighborhood.