Texas Border Business
McAllen Public Utility will begin installing new automated meters over the next two years for its 48,000 residential and commercial customers across McAllen. The new meters will not only provide a more accurate reading of water usage, but they will also allow customers the ability to monitor their water usage to better manage their water consumption. Installation is currently underway with commercial customers and residential installation will begin in mid-November, targeting older meters first.
“I am excited to see this project finally come to fruition,” said Charles Amos, MPU Board Chairman. “The automated meter installation will empower our customers to better monitor their water usage, including the ability to detect water leaks in their homes, making better use of our community’s most precious natural resource.”
Aqua Metric is the contractor who will be installing the automated meters throughout the city. Residents will first receive a door hanger notice, alerting them that the installation will be taking place. Once crews are on site, they will ensure that all water is shut off at the residence, trying to determine if someone is at home to shut off any running appliances or faucets. There will be a 15-to-30-minute interruption of water service, to complete the installation, making every effort to leave the meter area with little to no visible disturbance. Once complete, water service will continue with the new automated meter.
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After the automated meter is installed, some customers may see a change in their next water bill. Older meters lose their efficacy over time and may not be logging an accurate use of water. The new automated meter should not only correct this issue, but also, will allow customers to accurately monitor their water usage.
Automated meters enable automated and remote reading of water consumption data, eliminating the need for manual readings by meter readers. This saves time, reduces labor costs, minimizes the risk of human errors, and reduces potential accidents or injuries to staff working in high traffic areas or construction work zones. By eliminating the need for manual readings and reducing the frequency of truck rolls for maintenance and repairs, these meters contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and less fuel consumption.
MPU customers who have any questions, concerns or would like more information, can contact Customer Service at (956) 681-1660, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekdays after hours, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., customers can call 681-1700.
The total cost of the cost of the automated meters and installation is $18 million, thanks to a low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board. This will not reflect in a rate increase for customers. The projected completion date for installing the automated meters is December 2025.
