During its most recent meeting, Town Council unanimously voted to spend $142,000 for new touchless meters after the county told Troutville council its antiquated water meters were worn out and losing too much water.
The meters were so old they were no longer registering accurate readings. Instead of losing around 10 to 12 percent per county health department wishes, the town’s meters were leaking between 15 and 18 percent. Council member Dean Paderick estimated the currently used meters are between 18 and 20 years old.
The new meters will use a radio read system, where proper readings will be fed into a laptop in a car, relayed back to a main computer and are 98 percent effective, said Paderick.
A correct reading could mean a higher water bill for some residents, council heard. But with the new radio-read system, residents will know exactly how much water and when the water was used. Town Hall will have real time information available for residents if they question their water usage or bill.
For the $142,000 investment the town will receive the equipment, software and a five-year service plan on the software. To help pay for the investment, the town will consider selling a certification of deposit.
Some of the meters have already been installed.
