-
What is the Water Meter Change-Out Program?
Joliet is embarking on a program to replace all of their aging water meters with new automated meters. These new meters will replace older mechanical units, many over 20 years old, with new digital technology that will identify high water usage and potential leaks.
If your meter is not up to date, you will receive a new water meter and remote reading device at no cost. Calumet City Plumbing will need to access your home/business to replace the meter and install the remote reading device.
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc., contracted by Calumet City Plumbing, will work with you to arrange a convenient appointment time to complete this task.
-
Who is doing the work?
The City of Joliet has awarded a contract to Calumet City Plumbing (CCP) from Calumet City, Illinois, to complete this project. CCP has completed multiple meter projects for the City of Joliet in the past, providing excellent customer service. All CCP employees working on this project will be issued a City of Joliet contractor badge, indicating they have passed the City's background check process. Do not admit anyone into your home that does not have a City of Joliet photo identification card.
-
When will I know my meter needs to be replaced?
You will receive a letter from the City of Joliet and CCP requesting you to schedule an appointment with our installing contractor CCP through their scheduling company, M.E. Simpson Company.
-
Why is my water meter being replaced?
Water meters must be replaced every 20 years as they slow down with age and wear out.
-
How are the meters selected?
The meters are selected first by age and type. The City wants to ensure that the residents receive the best water quality; therefore, the brass and older plastic meters will be replaced first. This program is a multi-year program. The program is to prepare the City for the Alternative Water Source Program (AWSP). For more information, visit ReThink Water.
-
Where is my meter located?
The majority of the time the water meter will be located inside the home.? It will be located next to the internal shut off of the home, usually in the lowest level of the building. If you are not sure where the meter is located, here are some areas to consider looking at the laundry room, next to the water heater, utility closet, crawl space, and behind the washing machine. In rare cases, the water meter can be located inside a pit outside of the home. Regardless of the location, an appointment needs to be made.
-
What does the equipment look like?
-
Does someone need to be home for the appointment?
Yes, someone 18 years or older needs to be home during the appointment.? If someone of age is not present when the installer arrives, the appointment will have to be rescheduled for a later date.
-
Is there anything I need to do before my appointment?
The meter needs to be easily accessible for the installer. If there are any boxes, bags, storage items, etc., around the meter, these items will need to be moved prior to the scheduled appointment. This will allow the meter to be installed as quickly as possible. The installer is not allowed to move any items inside the home.?
-
What can the resident can expect during their appointment?
1. Calumet City Plumbing installer will arrive within the established appointment window.
2. The installer will introduce themselves and briefly describe the meter change out process.
3. The installer will ask to be shown where the water meter is located.
4. Your water will be turned off for a short period of time (approximately 15-20 minutes).
5. The old water meter is removed, and the new water meter installed.
6. After meter installation, installation data is collected using a handheld computer.
7. Time-stamped installation information includes pictures, old meter read, new meter read, serial number, transmitter serial number, and customer signature.
8. Once the new meter and transmitter are installed, Calumet City Plumbing will flush the water lines to remove air or debris and ask if there any questions or concerns.
9. The entire appointment will last approximately 30 minutes.
-
What is Automated Meter Reading (AMR)?
AMR stands for Automated Meter Reading. Joliet is replacing old water meters with new?digital meters that utilize two-way radio technology to remotely read customer meters and transmit the data to the water billing system, providing timely and reliable readings without having to gain access to the property to read the meter.
-
How does Automated Meter Reading Work?
A small remote reading device is installed near your water meter on the outside of your home or business. A wire connects your new water meter to a remote reading device that sends a signal to a data collector on one of Joliet's water towers. Your meter reading is then transmitted from the data collectors to Joliet's water billing system. Each meter has a unique identification number that ensures only your reading is assigned to your account.
-
Does Automated Meter Reading (AMR) have any other benefits?
Yes. AMR improves accuracy. It will detect possible leaks faster and allow us to notify you of problems before they become serious?and costly.
-
Will the remote reading device interfere with my television or phones?
No, the remote reading device operates in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices.
-
Will my information be secure?
Yes, only meter consumption data and meter numbers are transmitted. No personal customer information is loaded into the transmitter and therefore will not be transmitted.
-
How do I read my meter?
-
How do I know that my reading is accurate?
Each remote reading device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is compared to your account record to ensure a match. This reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.
-
Will my water bill increase?
Your water rate will not change as part of this project. You will be billed for the actual water used, so your bill may increase if your previous meter was under reporting your actual usage. The new metering system ensures fairness and equality for all customers by measuring and billing residents and businesses accurately.
-
How much will the system cost me?
There is no charge for the installation. The change-out program is being paid for by the City.
-
How can I track my water usage?
Residents receiving water from the City of Joliet can monitor their water usage in near-real time thanks to the Customer Water Portal, a web-based, application providing access to their water meter accounts. This Portal is available in English and Spanish, and is a smart way to monitor water consumption and conserve water.
Click the following link for more information: Customer Water Portal
-
What is the Water Meter Change-Out Program?
Joliet is embarking on a program to replace all of their aging water meters with new automated meters. These new meters will replace older mechanical units, many over 20 years old, with new digital technology that will identify high water usage and potential leaks.
If your meter is not up to date, you will receive a new water meter and remote reading device at no cost. Calumet City Plumbing will need to access your home/business to replace the meter and install the remote reading device.
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc., contracted by Calumet City Plumbing, will work with you to arrange a convenient appointment time to complete this task.
-
What if I have questions or concerns?
Please contact the City of Joliet Department of Public Utilities Department at 815-724-4220 or PublicUtilities@joliet.gov, and your question will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
