LAMBERTVILLE: Water meter changes are coming

By John Tredrea, Special Writer
   LAMBERTVILLE — New water meters are coming to customers of United Water Lambertville.
   The company predicts “that changing the meters will greatly improve operational efficiencies, customer service, and conservation by supporting better management of water delivery and usage,” United Water spokesperson Jane Kunka said.
   And, there’s more good news, said Rick Pfleiderer, United Water director of operations. “This new system will enhance the convenience for our customers as they will no longer be required to be at home for meter readings.”
   United Water Lambertville announced last week that the company will replace aging customer water meters with a more convenient, high-tech fixed network meter system beginning in August.
   . “The new system will simply transmit a meter reading to one of our computers, and then it will be automatically put into our server for accurate billing. The entire process takes seconds to complete, but gives our customers piece of mind knowing they won’t have to open the door for someone to come into their house to read the water meter,” Mr. Pfleiderer said.
   Meter change-outs and installations will be completed by Corix Utilities Meter Services, a company that has been providing metering services to the utility field for 70 years. United Water will oversee the installation activities of Corix, he said.
   Prior to the start of the program, United Water customers will receive a letter of introduction from Corix Utilities with details on how appointments will be scheduled.
   The initial water meter transfer will take approximately one hour.
   For those customers who currently have meters that are 1-inch or larger, a remote device will be mounted on the meter as opposed to a full meter replacement. Meters that are 1 inch or larger will be replaced in 2013.
   Once the project is under way, Corix Utilities will be working daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday — plus Saturday, if necessary. They also will be walking door-to-door trying to schedule appointments and leaving door hangers when appropriate.
   Customers should make sure that each Corix Utilities installer is in proper uniform and possesses a Corix Utilities photo ID badge in plain view at all times when identifying themselves and the company, Ms. Kunka said. Questions? Call 877-565-1456.
   ”This high-tech metering project is one way that demonstrates United Water’s commitment to its customers, and ensuring high-quality, reliable water service,” said Mr. Pfleiderer.
   He said the project of installing the new meters should be completed by the end of this year.