The main topic of discussion at April’s Metro Utility Department meeting was the continued water loss problem. With all but a handful of the new Kamstrup meters in place it was hoped that meters would pick up on leaks and low flow contributing to the persistent water loss that the older meters were unable to capture.

Engineer Bryant Griffin stressed that the ultrasonic meters are 99.8% accurate, and the issue is not with the meters, but could be with the system software or the billing software. When the changeover was made, MUD installed new system software that was compatible with the electronic readers. However, new billing software was not installed, so the problem could be between the reading software and the billing software.

The electronic meters can be read at any time in house, so Chair Barry Posluszny instructed Manager Ronnie Cunningham to do some random checks by having some of them read physically, then comparing the readings to the reader reports coming in to the office. If the meters check out correctly, then the compatibility with the system software and the billing software can be checked.

The meters can be set to be read either physically, or by the meter transmitting to a reader in the field, with the reader then transmitting that data to the office. Manager Ronnie Cunningham reported that some of the electronic meters were set incorrectly when installed. He has followed up in checking meters and having them reset if not set correctly.

Cunningham also reported back regarding placing two more readers in the field so there would be fewer meters that had to be physically read. The cost of adding the readers would be $20,000 each, and they would not be able to pick up enough meters to justify that cost due to the topography of those areas. There are still approximately 500 meters that have to be read physically.

The expansion projects for Highway 82 and County Line Road are progressing with surveying locations to place the pump stations. A price has not yet been set for purchasing property adjacent to the water plant for expansion.

A tentative budget was passed out to board members for review before the May meeting. The budget varies little from last year’s budget.