City adding automatic readers
Apr. 11—Some new technology likely will save meter readers' backs and necks.
The city of Sanford began installing automatic meters outside residences to measure the amount of water usage in March 2022 and now has about 1,500 of the devices "in the ground," according to city analyst Christie Holt. She said 19,200 of the readers will be installed by October 2025.
City council received an update about the project during a work session on Tuesday, April 9.
Alvan Davis, distribution and collection administrator, said the city has only had to troubleshoot four of the first 800 automatic readers that were installed.
Michelle Ballard, customer service manager, noted that customers can easily log in and monitor their usage, pay their bill and even donate to Sanford Cares. The latter provides temporary assistance to residents by allowing customers to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar.
"It's very empowering to users to be able to track their usage," Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon said.
Councilman Byron Buckles asked if the automatic readers would replace the city's seven meter readers.
Ballard said no. Davis added that meter readers would do route maintenance on vacant residences.
Assistant City Manager Beth Kelly said the readers will still be needed when a resident's water access is cut off.
Ballard noted that the readers reduce staff exposure to high traffic areas and produce more accurate meter reading. Other benefits include leak alerts, which allow for quicker detection and repair.
Kelly noted that a contractor is installing the automatic readers.
Councilwoman Jean Dabbs said the readers, which use automatic metering infrastructure (AMI), will save employees from physical stress due to repetitive motions such as lifting metal lids. She said her ex-husband was a meter reader for 28 years and had to retire early due to back and knee problems.
"I'm just excited about it," Buckles said of the project.
He asked if Pittsboro water users would be getting the automatic readers.
Kelly noted that Pittsboro and Sanford use different technology, but said yes, adding that conversions are underway now.
