FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHAT EXACTLY WILL BE INSTALLED AT MY PROPERTY?

A: Meters older than 2014 will be replaced with new meters and cellular transmitters. Newer meters will be upgraded with new cellular transmitters to allow for seamless integration into the new system.

Q: HOW DO THE NEW METERS WORK?

A: Data from the meters is encrypted and sent through a secure cellular network to the utility database. The meter system transmits only the water meter readings, the meter identification number, and diagnostic information to verify that the cellular meter is operating correctly.

Q: WILL I PAY MORE FOR WATER AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGE?

A: No. Your water rate will not change due to the installation of the new meter. You will not be charged for the installation of this meter. As meters age, they tend to underread and may not accurately measure the water used. You may notice higher water usage on your water bill since your water usage will be more accurately reflected. The new meters will simply record consumption more accurately and transmit readings daily, instead of monthly. This should prevent large, unplanned bills due to unknown leaks.

Q: WHAT IF THERE IS A LEAK AT THE METER OR ANY OTHER PROBLEM AFTER THE METER IS REPLACED?

A: Please call our office at 205-663-6155 Option 1 if you experience any leaks or other problems after the meter is replaced.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact our customer service team at meterchangeout@alabasterwater.com or 205-663-6155 Option 1.

KEY BENEFITS OF CELLULAR METERS

ACTIVE MONITORING:

Cellular meters will allow Alabaster Water to use cellular enabled endpoints that will actively monitor and track customers accounts for leaks and variations to the daily use. This information will allow for better tracking of water loss and identification of system leaks as well as leaks in customer’s plumbing.

QUICKER RESPONSE:

The new cellular technology transmits usage up to four times daily to the Board. Alabaster Water will review daily usage and continuous flow reports to identify any issues in usage quickly.

ACCURATE BILLING:

Alabaster Water will be able to reduce errors in billing by removing the potential of an incorrect reading and thus, an incorrect bill. There are still many meters in the system that require manual reading. The cellular meters will significantly decrease the possibility of incorrect readings and provide accurate bills for customers.

ACCURATE DATA:

Alabaster Water Board will be utilizing new Cellular Endpoint Technology to deliver usage information four times a day. This information will be automatically reported into the associated software and is available for review as necessary for decision making, reporting, system monitoring as needed.

ACCURATE METERING:

While not all meters will be replaced, all meters older than 2014 will be upgraded to the new cellular meter technology. As meters age the accuracy is reduced, and by replacing older meters or upgrading meters to cellular technology, Alabaster Water will better be able to identify leaks faster and more accurately.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Alabaster Water Board and its contractor (Southern Civil Contractors) will be replacing aged domestic and irrigation meters with new cellular meters over the next three years.

1.PURPOSE OF THE UPGRADE:

• The installation of cellular meters will provide customers with multiple “real-time” readings each day.
• The new meters will provide customers with improved monitoring for leaks, damage, pressure fluctuations, and other system variations.
• Customers will benefit from daily tracking of their water usage, leading to more accurate billing and better management of resources.

2.METER DETAILS:

• New Badger Meters with cellular technology will be installed.
• Badger Beacon software (Eye on Water) will enhance water flow monitoring accuracy. More information on Eye of Water will be provided to customers after installation is complete and a reasonable amount of historical data is available to be useful for customers.

3.INSTALLATION PROCESS:

• Southern Civil Contractors is a Contractor working on behalf of Alabaster Water Board installing the new meters.
• No need for AWB or Contractor Staff to enter customers’ homes.
• Phone calls, texts and message boards will be used to communicate as crews work throughout the area.

4.EXPECTATIONS FOR CUSTOMERS:

• Prior to installation, the Contractor will remove soil around the existing meter box.
• On installation day, a Contractor employee or AWB employee will knock on your door before starting the process to verify that no water will be needed during the process. A resident is not required to be at home during the changeout.
• Water service will be temporarily stopped 20-30 minutes during installation.
• A temporary plywood cover will protect the area if needed.
• Once a new meter is installed, the new meter will be activated by verifying flow through an external faucet or manually testing the meter.
• After installation and testing are complete, a meter box will be installed and backfilled as needed to leave an attractive appearance.
• After the change-out, the resident should briefly run water through their home to remove any air in the water line.

This project represents a significant investment in technology to allow customers and Alabaster Water to more efficiently use water and monitor water use with daily meter readings.

QUESTIONS CALL :205-663-6155 Option 1

meterchangeout@alabasterwater.com