​Q: Is there a warranty period for the landscaping work?

A: There is a sixty-day warranty period from the date of installation during which time the homeowner can contact the contractor who will perform any landscaping repairs that resulted from the installation work. All costs of repairs thereafter will be the homeowner’s responsibility.

 

Q: Who maintains the pressurized irrigation meter?

A: The city owns and will maintain the pressurized irrigation meter.

 

Q: Who owns the Shut off Valve and its connections?

A: The property owner owns and is responsible for the shut off valve and all connections outside of the city’s water meter box.

 

Q: Is having a PI water meter installed at my property optional?

A: No. The city is required by state law to install a PI water meter on every city connection.

 

Q: Will the city charge me for the meter installation?

A: No, neither the city nor its contractor will solicit any funds from the residents for this work. The city is using capital funds and matching grants to fund this project.

 

Q: Will my drinking water service be interrupted during the installation?

A: No.

 

Q: Will my landscaping installation area be restored?

A: Any shrubbery or landscaping obstructing access to the city’s meter box will be permanently removed.

 

Q: Who will be doing the work in the utility box?

A: The city has contracted with Hydro Vac Excavations LLC to do the work.

 

Q: What will happen to my sprinkler system equipment in the box?

A: Because of its size, the meter will replace all other non-city owned equipment in the box. Any resident’s valves, filters, or fittings that were in the service box prior to installation will be relocated. At the city's discretion they may elect to leave the existing box as is, which will become the responsibility and property of the homeowner. The contractor will then install a separate box for the city’s pressurized meter.

 

Q: When will I see meter charges on my utility bill?

A: Not before 2026. Metered rates will be charged after all connections in the city are metered and a final rate structure is adopted by City Council. You will be able to review your usage and expected fees based on current usage before the new fee structure goes into effect. The existing flat rate structure will continue until the city is entirely metered.

 

Q: Will my pressurized irrigation bill go up once metered rates are charged?

A: That will ultimately depend on your water use and the new rate structure. As of right now, the city has not set a new meter rate. The expectation is that if you are using a conservative amount of pressurized irrigation water for your property, your bill could remain similar to what it is now. It is anticipated that the rate structure will consider the size of your property and how much water is needed to irrigate. More information regarding rates will be established and communicated as the meter installation project progresses.

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Q: What is the King Drain / Auto Drain

A: The new meter installation includes replacing the stop and waste valve with a new valve that does not have the weep hole. This valve will be in the locked meter box and not accessible to residents but will be kept open so as not to freeze the line. To mitigate residents freezing their lines if they close their ball valve during the winter, the City has provided the option for the resident to have a King Drain style auto drain installed on resident’s side after their new ball valve. If the resident shuts off their ball valve the drain would allow water to be relieved. The drain will only allow water to come from the adjoining low point portions of the line within the area. The resident’s system will still require winterizing. The drain will not provide protection for the entire sprinkler system.​  For all the information on this option click here.

 

To learn more about the citywide meter installation project, email PImeters@highlandut.gov or call this number 801-772-4515