Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Waterworks (TPCW) will be initiating a comprehensive water meter replacement program that will upgrade or replace approximately 45,000 meters that serve the parish. This program will be implemented in phases until the entire parish has been upgraded. The first phase of the program will be the replacement of 10,000 meters in the northernmost part of the parish and the Gibson area. The estimated time of completion for the first phase is 6 months. Click here to view the map for Phase 1.
Overview
The new AMI system (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) will replace the current automated meter reading system now reaching the end of its useful life cycle. The AMI system will utilize cellular service to relay data directly to the database. This new method removes the need for staff to collect data by driving with a receiver in proximity to existing water meters. Water meters are the devices used to measure the amount of water delivered to our customers. Replacing old meters will ensure that TPCW can accurately track both individual usage for billing purposes and monitor and evaluate community demands.
Public Outreach
TPCW has partnered with professional meter installers from Pedal Valves, Inc. (PVI) to replace your meter. They will be using vehicles with the PVI logo on the sides and will carry clear identification with them at all times.
You will receive a door hanger approximately one week prior to your meter replacement. You will then receive another door hanger to let you know that they were there, if they were able to change the meter, and what to do if they couldn’t.
Your water meter is already located outside so you don’t need to be at your home or business for them to change the meter. Prior to changing your meter, the installer will knock on your door to let you know they’ll be briefly turning off your water. If you have any health or personal issues that require a scheduled appointment, you can let them know at that time. PVI will contact commercial customers in person to coordinate their meter change-out to minimize any business interruptions.
Sample Door Hangers:
Benefits
- Improve the efficiency of meter reading and water billing
- Increase the Quality of customer service by eliminating the need for estimated bills
- Prevent recording errors
- Minimize the need for personnel to go on the property
- Ability to detect if a leak is occurring in your plumbing system
PREPARE FOR INSTALLATION:
- Prune back any plant material that has grown over your current meter box and make sure it is accessible
- Look for the reminder postcard which should arrive about 1 week before you receive your new meter
DURING INSTALLATION:
- Your water service will likely be interrupted for 15 to 30 minutes
- The technician will flush the customer’s line for a few minutes after installing the new meter. They will use the closest spigot on the front of the home. There should be no reason for them to go into the home. If they are unable to flush the line, there will be instructions on the door hanger for the customer.
- The existing meter will be replaced with a new meter
- Pedal Valves will leave a door hanger on your door to let you know that they were there, if they were able to change the meter, and what to do if they couldn’t
As a reminder, it is the customer’s responsibility to maintain the property-side service line, which must be in good condition before the meter can be changed. PVI will determine at the time of installation if they are able to install the new meter and inform each customer if their meter has been replaced.
FAQs
What is AMI?
AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. According to the American Water Works Association, this “fully integrated system of meters and information systems enables communication between meters and utilities.”
What are some of the benefits of AMI meters?
Soon you will be able to:
• Easily access and monitor your water use• Set alerts to help detect leaks and spikes in your water use, even when you’re not home
• See fewer Water Department trucks on the road reading water meters every day, which will help us lower our carbon footprint
This system will enable TPCW to more efficiently and proactively maintain our water infrastructure so we can support our community as it grows.
When will my installation occur?
Installations will be conducted gradually throughout the TPCW service area based on meter reading routes.
• Customers will receive a Door Hanger notice about 1 week before their new meter will be installed
• A Door Hanger will be left at your home or business to let you know any important details about your new meter installation
Why is the Water Department replacing our water meters?
The majority of the parish’s water meters have reached/are reaching the end of their useful lives of 12 to 15 years. In order for us to consistently and equitably measure the consumption of water for everyone in our community, we needed to replace these water meters.
Installing an AMI water system will help minimize the potential for missed or occasionally inaccurate reads, which we hope will increase trust in the accuracy of every water bill. It will also help us to provide faster service with daily usage data that you can use to help spot potential leaks or unexpected consumption. It will even eliminate the need for someone to drive by to collect your meter read as we do today with our current AMR system. Anyone who has a meter that must be manually read will be updated to this new technology which will greatly reduce the need for a meter reader to come onto the property (unless there is an issue with the meter), increasing the privacy of your home.
Will these new meters serve all customers equally?
Yes; the AMI system is designed to measure the actual usage of your water and bill you based on that amount.
No more, no less.
Will I have to be at home during the installation and what am I required to do?
Most of the time, no one is required to be present because most meters are located outside. The meter installer will leave a notification that your installation has been completed and instructions on what to do if it was not able to be installed.
Will my water service be interrupted during the installation?
Yes, the water service will be turned off for 15-30 minutes. The installer will turn the water back on prior to leaving your home.
How long will it take to install the AMI meter?
In most instances, installation should take around 30 minutes, sometimes less than that. Some installations – mostly larger commercial meters – may take longer.
How do I identify that the meter installer works for you/is part of the project?
We encourage customers to ask for identification from anyone who comes to their door. The AMI metering installers from PVI will:
• arrive in a company-marked vehicle
• be wearing an easily identifiable uniform
• have a PVI contractor company badge
• knock on your door before they change your meter
• will NOT need to enter your home to change your meter (the meter is outside)
What if I have issues or questions after my new meter has been installed?
Installation details will be left at your residence or business. If you notice any problems immediately after installation, you should contact our installation partner, PVI. Their phone number is (985) 722-2674.
How do I know that the new AMI meter reading is accurate?
The reading at the meter is regularly converted into a digital format using technology that has proven to be highly reliable and secure, as noted in project studies, pilot programs, and large-scale implementations. By having this information relayed in a digital format, it eliminates the potential for human error in manual meter reading and can be done remotely.
How will I know that you have my meter reading and not someone else’s?
The endpoint that sends your meter reading has a unique identifier that is transmitted along with the read data. This identifier is compared electronically to your account record to ensure that the meter reading matches the meter assigned to your account.
Is my account information secure?
Yes. The only information that is being transmitted is your water use. None of your personal account details will be transmitted.
What if I have questions about the last meter read before my upgrade?
Digital photographs will be taken of the last meter reading to use as a reference point. The installer will provide these photographs to TPCW and the billing staff, who will have this information available to answer your questions.
Will my water bill increase?
As meters age, they tend to run slower and may not measure all the water going through them. Depending on the age and accuracy of your existing meter, you may experience a higher bill due to the accuracy of your new meter. The new meters will simply record consumption more accurately.
Why is the water meter lid locked?
TPCW has upgraded the water meter lids to a composite material that is very light weight. To secure the lid so it does not float away in case of water events, the new lids will be locked and only opened when a meter or water pipe inspection is necessary. The meter box and lid will protect our new meter asset and upgraded technology so they can function in an optimal manner. In the event that you need to turn off your water from the meter, you can call us at (985) 879-2495 and we will be available to assist you. You will soon be able to access your current meter reading whenever you want from your smartphone, tablet, or computer via the Eye on Water App.
How can I save money with the new AMI meters?
The new meters themselves can’t save you money; however, the information they provide can help you figure out if you are wasting water or potentially have a leak. Implementing some changes in your use and repairing an unnoticed leak, even if it’s just a small one, could help you reduce your water consumption, which could help you lower the amount of your water bill.
For additional information, call (985) 879-2495 or email meter@tpcw.org
