CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – There’s an old adage that suggests “One size does not necessarily fit all.” A dozen local water agencies are asking, when it comes to replacing outdated water meters, “Why not?”  They are asking why different agencies are using different water meters, and whether there is an opportunity to work together to achieve economies of scale to reduce ongoing costs.

The group, led by the Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) has commissioned a study to review the potential for a collaborative approach to a review of various technologies and funding options to replace members agencies’ aging water meters. In addition to CHWD, the consortium includes the Regional Water Authority, Carmichael Water District, City of Folsom, City of Sacramento, Fair Oaks Water District, Golden State Water Company, Orange Vale Water Company, Placer County Water Agency, Sacramento County Water Agency, Sacramento Suburban Water District, and San Juan Water District—Retail Service Area.

According to Hilary Straus, General Manager of CHWD, “Collaboration is the key as each of these water agencies brings its own expertise and water asset management experience to the table, which leads to improved service in the region and the opportunity to reduce ongoing costs to our customers.”

The study will include:

An inventory and assessment of the consortium’s current meter programs; Evaluation of potential replacement meter technology options; An assessment of current meter testing programs and options for collaboration/optimizing efficiency; An evaluation of meter procurement and funding options; and Public outreach strategies for meter replacement.

As a result of the study, each agency will have consistent data to plan and review various options for future meter replacement. This may include reducing costs through bulk water meter purchase and shared meter testing facilities. 

The study is now in the meter testing assessment phase and the final report is expected to be completed in early 2021. Once complete, the final report will be available to the public and on each agency’s websites. 

“Our hope is that our creative asset management strategy can serve as a model for regional water agency collaboration nationwide,” said Straus. “Between aging infrastructure, state mandates and budget concerns, it is imperative that water agencies plan for the future, and this strategy is a great way for neighboring agencies to work together to achieve this goal.”