A newer, better water meter has come to town and may soon become a fixture in your home or business – if it hasn’t already. The new meter, which features a battery-powered radio transmitter, can be read from outside any structure. And with 765 of them installed and operating locally, half the city’s residents have begun to realize its benefits. "It’s a good deal for everybody," said public works director Joe Haller. "We’re glad to be upgrading and doing away with the cards. "A lot of meters are not convenient to get to, and people forget, and then there’s the postage expense. It will eliminate a lot of work for us, too. In the long term this will pay for itself, and after that, it will be a cost-savings to consumers." The new meters send out a radio signal that can usually be picked up from the street, sometimes from as far as three blocks away, depending on the structure. In most residential areas, Haller said, a meter reader can check multiple homes from a route’s point of origin. "It’s much faster," he said. "They literally can have 10-15 done before they even really start the route." And while the meter’s efficiency may be its main attraction, a bonus leak-detecting feature should appeal to customers almost as much. "The system will flag us if it has a meter with the potential for a leak," Haller explained. "In a 24-hour period, most people have at least one hour of non-use. If there aren’t any hours with no water running, it will let us know and we can then contact the owner, so consumers can save money on their water bills, and there will be less waste in our water system." Not that local residents will have to wait for professional help in detecting their leaks. Deputy clerk Darla Frink, who also serves as a meter reader for the city, pointed out that the new meters enable homeowners to check water usage for themselves as well. "There’s a little red flower on the dial that will always be spinning any time there’s water running," she explained. "It works real slick." "It really helps to pin down usage," said city administrator Mark Casey. "People love them. They’re really happy they have them." Three-year plan The public works department is now in the second year of a three-year plan to replace all water meters within city limits. For purposes of efficiency, it is a project the department has reserved for the cold-weather season. First to make the changeover were downtown-area businesses and homes last year, with expansion into greater Annandale planned for this winter and the next. "The life of a meter is about 20 years," Haller said. "And around town, we have many that are past due and need replacing anyway, so timing-wise, it’s a good time to make the change and to upgrade." Upgrades, whether single or multiple, will be made at no charge. Consumers will also have an option to purchase additional meters at a cost of $240 each, Casey said, explaining that a second meter for outdoor use can lead to savings in sewer costs. Haller hopes to have 300 new meters installed by the end of this winter, which would leave just 200 to complete the project in the winter of 2008-09. Installation "The switch takes 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the plumbing," he said. "We encourage people to call city hall to schedule an appointment. "Sometimes people are at work all day, and it’s hard to reach everybody. But if people can help us by scheduling an appointment, we can get it all worked out." Appointments for meter replacement are available between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, though Friday, Jan. 18. To schedule an appointment, call Frink at 274-3055.