Work Crews Begin to Replace Water Meters

An extensive water meter replacement program is underway in Sarasota. The new Automated Meter Reading system known as AMR is expected to improve customer service while reducing meter reading and maintenance costs. Some 17,000 residential and commercial water meters will be replaced during the next eight-months.  

Water will be turned off temporarily for 15- to- 30-minutes at each residence while crews replace the meter. As part of a public outreach campaign, you should have been mailed a letter last week notifying you about the replacement program. A reminder notice will be attached to your trash container one-week prior to the meter replacement crew arriving in your neighborhood.

A door hanger will be placed on your front door the day prior to the replacement and finally, just before turning off the water, work crews will knock on your door to ensure you are not using water at that time. Crews are working closely with businesses to coordinate a convenient replacement schedule. The meter replacements will begin in the Northwest portion of the City. We checked with Mike Healy in the Utilities Department who tells us work should start in Lido Shores in about six months or so. To see an updated map showing where crews are working and their progress over the next eight-months, click here.  

The new AMR system uses advanced technology which will allow meters to be read from radio receivers in moving vehicles or from fixed receivers. There will be no charge to existing water customers and no rate increase to pay for the new system. Water customers have been notified that they may see a slight increase in their utility bills due to the sophisticated technology providing a more accurate water usage reading.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit the Utilities Division web page.