SAUGUS — The town is currently working on a project that will upgrade the town’s water metering technology to enhance customer service and provide customers with more ways to manage water use — all while improving operational efficiency and environmental stewardship, according to a press release from the town.
Residents can schedule an appointment to replace their water meter for free as a part of the Town of Saugus Water Meter Replacement and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Implementation Program. Residents will be contacted through the mail by Mass Installation, Inc. to book appointments for the replacement.
The installations will take place Tuesdays through Saturdays during regular business hours over the next two years, according to the release.
There must also be a safe and clear access point during the installation. A person over the age of 18 must be present during the appointment, and it is mandatory for residents to participate.
Most water meters in town are currently 15 to 20 years old. According to the Department of Environmental Protection, the normal life expectancy of water meters ranges from 7 to 15 years.
Syensqo, a Belgian-based company focused on sustainable solutions, says that water meters are tools that can encourage sustainability.
The town’s goal is to implement a cellular-based meter reading system, improving the accuracy of water consumption for billing, reducing unaccounted-for water use, and providing significant customer service improvements.
The utilization of smart meters helps push transparency giving consumers an exact message as to how much water they are using and what the cost of that use is going to be. This can also give consumers a better idea of how their water usage is affecting the environment, according to research done by the Energy Playbook.
In the future, there will be access to an app called EyeOnWater, which will provide daily, weekly, monthly and yearly water usage activity. The app also delivers leak alerts and usage trends through email and text.
“This new technology is a great resource that can make a big difference in the way residents and businesses manage their water usage,” Town Manager Scott Crabtree said. “The notifications for high water use will help alert customers if something serious occurred, such as a leak or burst pipe that could cause property damage and result in exorbitant water bills.”
The engineering firm Weston and Sampson will be in charge of ensuring the program is done efficiently and correctly.
Updates will be provided from the town about the project, and those with any questions can contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143.
