Meter replacement under way in City of Northville

The New Year will bring some changes to homes throughout the City of Northville.
Workers recently began a city-wide water meter replacement program to install new water meters and replace second water meters used exclusively for outdoor use, such as for in-ground lawn sprinkler systems.
“The majority of water meters in the city are 20 years old or older and have reached the end of their projected life cycle,” said DPW Director Loyd Cureton. “Our department personnel will manage and work with the contractor and residents to ensure the work is done properly and efficiently. These new water meters meet the State of Michigan 'no lead' requirements and are guaranteed accurate for 20 years.”

Employees from Ferguson Waterworks and Utility Metering Solutions will perform the installations. A worker will need to enter a house or business to replace the meter and upgrade the wiring. This step in the process takes about 30 minutes to one hour, a city spokesperson said. The worker will also replace the touch pad currently located on an outside wall with a new meter interface unit (MIU). For security measures, the vendor's workers will carry identification and drive vehicles with the company name visible.
Members of the city council approved a $622,000 loan from the city General Fund to the Water and Sewer Fund with 2.5 percent interest rate for seven years. The funds will be applied to the total cost of $859,786, with the balance coming from the Water and Sewer Fund reserves.
Letters were mailed to residents announcing the water meter replacement program, which is expected to take four to five months to complete. For more detailed information about the water meter installation, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” section on the City of Northville website.