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Page 2 of 2 <br /> <br />Discussion <br />The general consensus based on available data is that a residential meter’s average lifespan is 15 to <br />20 years. As with any mechanical device, water meters are subject to wear. Wear contributes to <br />meter accuracy degradation, meaning that the water meters become less efficient for measuring <br />flow and will generally under register the actual throughput. Age, as well as the total number of <br />gallons that pass through the meter, affect the accuracy and wear on a meter. Lost water has a <br />financial impact on the City because lost water does not generate revenue but still costs the City to <br />pump, purchase, treat, and distribute the water and thus the taxpayers ultimately have to pay for it. <br /> <br />Studies on the internet vary widely, but ultimately support the 15 to 20 year lifespan. One study <br />indicated the optimum year for replacement is year 16 when a meter is at 99.2% accuracy. The <br />accuracy of older meters varies based on the quality of water in a system as well as the type of <br />customer using the meter. <br /> <br />Prior to 2021, the City’s unaccounted for water percentage was gradually increasing each year. The <br />percentage unaccounted for was: <br />2018 – 2.45% (8.2 million gallons) <br />2019 – 3.79% (11.6 million gallons) <br />2020 – 4.13% (12.9 million gallons) <br /> <br />The 12.9 million gallons in 2020 equated to lost revenue between $42,700 and $97,140 depending <br />on which tier of the rate structure is used. <br /> <br />Based on recent invoices, the estimated cost for residential meter parts (not including installation) <br />are: <br />Meter body - $75 <br />Register - $90 <br />Endpoint - $150 <br /> <br />Budget Impact <br />Meter repairs and upgrades are funded by the Water Utility Fund. Based on the age of the system, <br />the increase in unaccounted water and some of the issues we have been encountering, the City is <br />probably in need of new meters city-wide in the next few years. Staff is seeking direction from <br />Council on hiring a consultant to evaluate our current system and provide recommendations on next <br />steps. <br /> <br />Attachments <br />A. Map showing residential properties serviced since May 2022 <br /> <br />