FAQ's About Water Meters, The New Meter Reading System and My Water Bill

Why do we need a new meter?
There are several reasons; the existing meter system is no longer available and must be replaced. Implementing a standardized metering system in every home will lower maintenance costs and make for more efficient use of City personnel. This step will also aid in ensuring that there is no water loss occurring with the current system.

Is there any cost to me?
There is NO additional cost to the homeowner for the meter, radio transmitter device or installation. The new meters will recapture a large portion of the water loss and the recovered revenue will pay for the new system. Under NO circumstance, should you pay anyone for the equipment or labor.

What is this new fixed rate fee on my bill?
The fixed cost fee is a charge passed on by The Detroit Water and Sewage Department for water, and by Wayne County for the sewage. It is not used to pay for the new water meter program

Are these new radio devices safe?
The answer is YES. The reading from your water meter takes less than one second and is only transmitted four times a day. The safety of radio waves is based on a calculation of time and distance. You would need to be within one inch of the transmitter while it sent the signal for more than six minutes. The new system operates on the VT-IF band and much like the radios used for police or fire, they are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. A copy of the license and can be viewed at City Hall.

When will the water meter and remote reading device be installed?
The meter replacement program will begin in September 2011 and will be completed within one year. The focus will be on commercial meters replacements first, then the residential meters. Authorized personnel from the contractor, SEC Meter Service, Inc. will go door to door to install the meter or you may call 1-800-335-1448 to schedule the installation at your convenience between 8:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

How will I know that the installers are legitimate?
A private contractor (S.L.C. Meter Service, Inc.) has been contracted to assist the Municipality in installing the new meters and reading system. Each installer will be uniformed, will carry identification and the vehicle will have a decal affixed showing the Company name and phone number. You may also call S.E.C. Meter Service, at: 800-335-1448, the water department office at 313 563-9774 or the police department at 313 563-9869 to confirm the identity of the installer. You should not let anyone into your home without proper identification.

How long will it take to install the new equipment?
Normal installation time is less than one (1) hour. The new radio transmitters will be installed inside. The old visual remote will be left outside on the house. Please clear the area 2’ on all sides of your meter.

Who will maintain the new equipment?
The Municipality will assume full responsibility for maintaining the water meter and remote reading device. It is the homeowners’ responsibility to maintain the plumbing surrounding the meter. However, if damage to the meter is determined due to the cause of neglect by the property owner, it will then be the property owners’ responsibility. This includes freezing.

Is there a U/L Listing for water meters?
Residential meters carry warranties from the manufacturers and meet the standards of the American Water Works Association for quality and accuracy. Not one manufacturer has a U/L listing for water meters used in residential applications, only two have it for commercial meters used in fire line applications.

Is there anything I can do to make the installation smoother?
Keep the installation appointment as scheduled, and clear the area around your water meter. If you have any additional questions concerning the project or installation, please contact S.L.C. Meter Service, Inc., at 1-800-335-1448. Office hours are 8:00am. to 4:30pm. Installation hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday. There is also a 24 hour answering service available after office hours.

What is the make and model of the water meters?
The make is Elster Amco, model # SM 700.

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City of Inkster, Michigan
26215 Trowbridge • Inkster, Michigan 48141
(313) 563-4232

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