Water Meter Installation 101
From the water treatment plant to your home
Water is supplied to homes through a series of underground pipes. A "water main" pipe, typically located in the street or backyard, carries water from the treatment plant to your street. From the main, water is supplied to individual homes through a "water service" pipe.
The installation process
In most cases, a full retrofit is a simple construction process. A crew comes to your property, digs a hole about two feet wide and five feet long, and installs the meter box and meter. After installation, removed concrete, sod or other plant materials is replaced to as good as, or better, condition.
However, where water mains are located in the backyard, the process begins first by relocating the main to the front yard and includes the following steps:
- Disconnect the aging water main (rear of house)
- Install a new water main (in the street in front of the house)
- Install the meter (front of house in sidewalk or at point of service)
Property access
For homes with mains located in the street, City crews may need access to your property for a short period of time. For those with backyard mains, City crews will need access to your property to disconnect the main located in your backyard.
Meter location
Your water meter will be installed in one of the following areas:
- Within a park strip in front of your home
- If there is no park strip, the meter will be placed in the sidewalk
- If your neighborhood does not have a sidewalk, the meter will be located in your front yard, behind the curb, at the point of service
Minimizing inconveniences
Crews will do their best to minimize inconveniences; however, as with any construction project, noise, dust and machinery are expected. Parking may be limited on your street. Also, residents may be without water for up to four hours during installation.
Should you have any questions or concerns during the installation process, please contact the Department of Utilities Engineering Services by calling 311.
Keeping you informed
The City wants to make the meter installation process as seamless as possible for our customers. And we want to make sure you know what to expect. Prior to installing meters in your community, we notify neighbors via:
- Community meeting
- Postcard mailing
- Doorhanger (one week prior to work on your property and 24 hours prior to disrupting water service
- Follow up doorhanger after installation with information about City water efficiency services and customer service survey
