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Water Meter Replacement Project

The Town of Batavia was awarded a $730,000 Green Innovation Grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation for a water meter replacement project that will occur at various locations throughout the Town of Batavia beginning the week of September 17th, 2023. This project will replace older water meters with new advanced metering infrastructure technology water meters which will increase water-use efficiency, reduce operational costs, and promote sustainable green infrastructure practices.

Residents and businesses with water meters that are required to be replaced have received letters in the mail detailing what to expect. Attempts to contact those that did not schedule an appointment by phone was made twice to phone numbers on file. Finally, a door knocking campaign with door hangers occurred in an attempt to complete each and every replacement and to avoid a $25 surcharge on future waterbills. The Town of Batavia Water Department has located and operated water curb-stop boxes near the road with blue flags at those locations. If there is a white flag next to your curb-stop, the water department kindly asks you leave those in place as they will be returning perform maintenance. If there is not a white flag, you may remove the blue flag. 

HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR WATER METER REPALCEMENT:

  • Please contact the Town of Batavia directly by calling 585-343-1729 option 5. 
  • If you have a circumstance where you are unable to have the replacement completed or have additional questions or concerns about the replacement of the meter and/or radio, please contact us immediately to avoid a $25 per quarter surcharge. The Town Water Department can be reached at 585-343-1729, option 5, then option 5 again. A Town representative will discuss your circumstance and will work with you on an amicable plan.  

Should you have any questions about this project that are not answered in the FAQ’s below, please feel free to contact the Town of Batavia Water Department by calling 585-343-1729 and select option 5.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my water meter replacement?
  • Make sure your water meter and radio transceiver are unobstructed and accessible. Water Meters are typically located in the basement of your residence or business and the radio transceiver is typically located outside on the side of the house.
  • Some water meters and radio transceivers are located in water meter pits in the front yard of your residence or business, please make sure they are not covered by any obstructions.
How can I monitor my household’s water usage after the new meter is installed?

The Sensus Analytics Customer Portal associated with the new water meter will be available to customers that have their meter and radio replaced roughly one month after the installation. Please CLICK HERE for a link to the customer portal.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all accounts will be able to access the water meters usage data as some areas of our water system may not have AMI coverage, or they’re in an area where the frequency strength is not strong enough.

What is a Smart Water Meter and Radio?

A Smart Water Meter and Radio communicates with the Town’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure. The water meter readings are sent through an antenna tower system and can be imported directly into the water billing software, and providing real-time data allowing the Town to reallocate resources to other important tasks and keep water rates lower. The Smart Meters provide the Town, and users that sign up for Customer Portal, alerts such as leak detection, continuous flow and reverse flow. A user that has a Smart Meter and Radio can sign up for Customer Portal and monitor their own usage and set custom alerts to help save water and costs.

These meters and radios are non-invasive, nor able to be controlled remotely, such as limiting or shutting off water.  The replacement is merely swapping out your current meter and radio that do not communicate with the AMI system, with new ones that are capable of communicating with the AMI system. 

When will my water meter be replaced?

The water meter replacement project will begin the week of September 17th, 2023 and could take up to 6 months to complete the entire project. Residents and Businesses that received a letter stating their meter is required to replaced will need to schedule their water meter replacement. Please schedule your appointment today:

Who will be replacing my water meter?

The Town has contracted with Core and Main for the project, who will be subcontracting with VEPO Solutions to replace water meters.

A VEPO technician will be on-site at your property for approximately 45 minutes to change out the water meter and perform a water safety survey. The technician will be wearing a VEPO company shirt, identified with a photo ID badge, and will wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Where is my water meter?

Your water meter is likely located inside your house, typically in your basement. It could also be in a crawl space, pit in the floor or utility room.

If your water meter is not inside, it can also be in a meter pit located in your front yard. IF your water meter is located in a meter pit, the Town will have access to replace it without you having to schedule your replacement appointment.

Why is the Town replacing water meters?

The Town of Batavia was awarded a $730,000 Green Innovation Grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation for a water meter replacement project, funding 75% of the overall projects cost.

The existing water meters are nearing the end of their useful lives and the existing radio batteries are beginning to fail. To continue metering water and providing a high level of customer service, the meters need to be replaced with new advanced metering infrastructure technology water meters which will increase water-use efficiency, reduce operational costs, and promote sustainable green infrastructure practices.

Will I have to pay anything to have my water meter replaced?

No, water meters are being replaced free of charge. You will not need to pay anything to have your water meter replaced.

However, if your shut-off valve(s) leak or fail during the meter replacement visit, it is the property owner’s responsibility to replace or repair the valve(s). If the technician is unable to exchange the meter system due to accessibility problems or because of obvious deterioration of the valves or other internal plumbing, the appointment will need to be rescheduled after the necessary repairs have been made.

CLICK HERE for a link to the Town’s Water Code and more information on homeowners’ responsibilities.