Water meters lose accuracy as they age so must be replaced near the end of their estimated useful lifetime. The water meters in most residences and businesses in Freeport were built to have a 10-year life span, and have been in service 18 to 20 years.
By the end of 2013, this project will replace an estimated 12,000 water meters in the City of Freeport with new meters that will greatly increase metering accuracy and feature automated meter reading abilities, eliminating the need to manually read each meter every month.
The new system will measure water use in gallons instead of cubic feet, which will give you a better idea of your actual water use each month. The meter will be connected to a radio frequency meter interface unit (MIU), which collects meter usage data and remotely transmits the information to data collectors. The MIU and water meter work as a unit to detect intermittent leaks, continuous leaks, reverse flow and zero usage situations. The system will automatically transmit meter usage data over radio frequency waves each day to data collectors placed throughout the community.
The new system will allow you to identify waste and consider corrective measures which will translate into "smarter" water use and increased energy savings. More efficient water use will also reduce the City's use of both energy and chemicals in treating and delivering water.
Every residence or business in the City of Freeport must have their water meter replaced. Below is a brief recap of the project work.
Please read the FAQs for details, or call the water hotline at 1-815-801-8000.
Water Meter Replacement Progress Map February 2013
| Project work | How to know when you will be affected | What to expect | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| The old water meter inside your home or business will be replaced with a new automated water meter. | • Contractor will send you a letter asking you to call to make an appointment for the installation, at your convenience. Read more. (FAQ #7) | • Workers will need access to the old water meter inside your home. Installation will take about 1 hour. Read more.(#9, #10, and #11) | • Call to schedule an installation appointment AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE LETTER. |
|
You can also: • Call the water hotline at 1-815-801-8000 for updates and affected areas. • Watch for updates on TV/Cable access channel (17). |
• Your water will be turned off during this time. Read more. • Beginning Feb. 2012 your water and sewer utility bill will look different. Usage will be measured in gallons instead of cubic feet. Read more. |
• Be sure there is a clear path to the water meter in your home or business. • Plan to be at home during the scheduled time. Read more. (FAQ #11, #19 and #22) |
