Things To Know About The Radio Read Meter Installation
GWA
is replacing all meters with Radio Read Meters. Customers are required
to have a shut-off valve (ball valve recommended) and may want a pressure
regulating valve (customer option) installed on the consumers service line for
protection against high pressure.
Typical Meter Installation :
NOTE:
·
** The GWA curb-stop and meters are considered part of a public water
system, * Once the new meters are installed, you will not be able to shut off
water supply to your home using the GWA curb-stop. Therefore, it is necessary to
install a shut-off valve on the customer side of the meter. GWA recommends that
a ball-valve be used for this application. Although it is the customer’s
responsibility to install the shut–off valve, the installation can be
coordinated with GWA’s meter contractor or a valve can be purchased from GWA
for installation by a licensed plumber hired by the customer. A private shut-off
valve is required within 18” of the meter this is in accordance with 28 GAR,
Section 2105.
·
# GWA makes every effort to maintain a maximum pressure at your service
connection that is less than 90 psi. Occasionally, technical difficulties may
create short-term pressures exceeding 90 psi. These short-term high pressures
should have no impact on well constructed and maintained household plumbing. If
you experience short-term pressure spikes and suspect that your household may be
in poor condition, then GWA recommends that an individual PRV be installed by
the customer. GWA will not accept liability for any damage caused by high water
pressure.
·
Customers are cautioned to pay prompt attention to water
leaks as the new meters begin to record water flows four times more sensitively
than current meters.
ISLAND-WIDE
METER UPGRADE WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 2007.
· What does AMR Stand For?
AMR is an acronym for Automated Meter Reading and in GWA's case includes the meter box. It does not include the incoming and outgoing lines or valves.
· Why is A.M.R Important?
GWA has meters in places that are not readily accessible without advance calling. The water system has gotten to such a state that meter readers are not reading all the meters each reading cycle. GWA does not have a meter replacement program. Some of the meters have been installed for so long they no longer read accurately.
· What villages will be getting Meter change outs?
All meters will be changed out. GWA’s contractor will be working from South to North. Malojloj, Inarajan, Merizo and Umatac will be first on this schedule. This will allow the workers to hone installation skills before getting into denser and more congested areas.
· How long will the change out take in those villages?
GWA expects to change 75 – 100 meters per day initially and as contractor crews and GWA inspectors get familiar with operating procedures this number may increase. This will continue for about 400 days.
· Do I need to be home during the installation?
No. Unless circumstances prohibit the installation, only then will the customer be contacted for assistance.
· How much is it going to cost me for the new meters?
There is no additional cost, unless there is no shut-off valve on the customer side. Then the customer can make arrangements with the contractor to install a shut-off valve.
.· What will the customer shut off valve cost?
The customer valve is their responsibility. GWA’s contractor KGI is doing this work for a charge from a low of $80 to a little over $100. It also depends on how far they need to run lines to connect to the customer line and whether the line is in dirt or concrete. GWA is prevented from installing the valve and charging until third party review.
· Why do I need to have a shut off valve within 18" of the meter box?
Customers are required by GWA Rules and Regulations to have a shut off valve within 18” of the meter box. There are a number of reasons why this is useful. One to keep dirty water out of the customers lines when GWA works on its system. Two a customer shut off valve will allow the customer to shut off their line when they need to repair a leak. Customers used GWA’s valve for that purpose in the past; however, in the future GWA’s valve will not be available to customers without a charge for turning it off and on. This charge will exceed the cost of the customer valve. In addition tampering with GWA’s valve is a criminal offense and people can be charged if they touch GWA’s valve.
· How did GWA choose this contractor?
The contractor most responsive to the bid was during a 6-month trial in 2004.
· My meter is currently buried in the ground. What is GWA going to do about it?
Your meter will be brought to the surface with no extra charge to you.
· Will my water bill be the same?
The goal is to obtain accurate consumption. Older meters may have not picked up accurate reading. With acccuracy comes probable higher billing.
· How do these meters better GWA?
Our unaccounted-for water loss is expected to go down by more than 20% and our meter readers can read more than 3000 meters a day, rather than the 180 per day doing it manually. This allows GWA to focus more on infrastructure upgrade and quicker response time for repairs.
· Is there anything else I need to know about my new meter?
YES! Your meter must be accessible. If not, it will be cleared and you will be charged for the clearing of the area.
· I still have questions about my meter. Who can I call?
You can call or leave a message at 647-7889 or you may Contact our Customer Service Representative at 647-7800.