SAUGUS — Town Manager Scott Crabtree put together a video that contains an abundance of information about the town’s water meter replacement program, including how this significant project will upgrade the town’s antiquated water metering system, improve the accuracy of water consumption for billing, and enhance customer service for water users.
In the video, Town Manager Crabtree joins Weston & Sampson Project Engineer John-Paul Noe and Mass Installation, Inc. President Mark Travis in educating residents about what to expect with the Water Meter Replacement and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Implementation Program that kicked off this spring.
At some point over the next year, every residential and commercial water customer in the Town of Saugus will receive a postcard containing information on how to book an appointment to receive a free water meter replacement. The town is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for this project so there is no cost to users for the replacement of their water meters and meter transmitting units.
The postcards from Mass Installation, Inc. will explain how customers can set up an appointment for the mandatory replacement of their water meters either by calling a phone number or through the Mass Installation, Inc. website.
The video released by the town lays out how water meter replacement appointments are available on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. On average the appointments last 30 to 45 minutes, with a brief interruption of water service for 10 to 15 minutes.
Mass Installation, Inc. kindly asks that someone age 18 or older be present at the time of the water meter replacement and that workers have a clear path to access the water meter.
All workers performing the water meter installations will wear proper identification badges and travel in clearly marked Mass Installation, Inc. vehicles. If residents have questions about the legitimacy of the workers they can call the Saugus Police Department or reach out to the Mass Installation, Inc. number listed on the mailings.
Benefits of Water Meter Replacement Project
Most of the water meters in town are over 15 years old and at the end of their useful life. The purpose behind the Water Meter Replacement and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation Program is to implement a cellular-based meter reading system that improves the accuracy of water consumption for billing, reduces unaccounted-for water use and provides significant customer service improvements, among other benefits.
After current water meters are replaced with the upgraded meters and transmitters, in the near future customers will have access to a customer portal and smartphone app called EyeOnWater.
This customer portal – which will be available at no cost to residents – will allow customers to conveniently monitor their water usage and to sign up to receive notifications for higher-than-normal water use that could signal a potential leak.
The EyeOnWater tool shows daily, weekly, monthly and yearly water usage activity through easy-to-understand graphs to help customers monitor and conserve water use. EyeOnWater delivers leak alerts and usage trends to customers through emails or text messages.
Residents will be able to call or text a technician for support on using the customer portal and EyeOnWater app.
The town has retained the engineering firm Weston and Sampson to ensure that the upgrade from the current water meters to the cellular-based water metering technology is completed efficiently and correctly.
The Saugus Department of Public Works will continue to provide safe, reliable water service throughout the implementation of the Water Meter Replacement and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation Program.
Please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143 with any questions related to the project.
