In April 2017, the City of Sumter began a two-year process of replacing customers water meters, community-wide. The City has contracted with Siemens, a company with water meter replacement projects all across the United States, to replace all existing water meters. If you have questions about the Water Meter Replacement Project, please call 803.774.3222.
The replacement project will be completed in phases. For all residents, a notification will be placed on your front door at least 48 hours prior to work commencing on your meter replacement. For all businesses, a representative will work with you on a plan for your meter replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my water meter being replaced?
Over time, water meters become less accurate and can provide inaccurate water readings. By replacing meters, our city will be able to bill more accurately and efficiently for water usage. In addition, the new system will include an automatic meter reading technology that will save labor time, prevent any recording errors, minimize wear and tear on vehicles, minimize the need for the city to go on the private property of residents, and potentially allow water line leaks to be identified earlier by analysis of data collected.
- Does this mean my bill will be increasing?
Not necessarily. In cases where rates remain consistent, the new meters will simply record consumption more accurately. In some cases, your bill may increase, but only if your current meter is underreporting usage. Presently the majority of residents are paying for the water they are actually using, while a few residents are only paying for a fraction of the water. This condition is not fair to all residents. The City does not intend to make bills retroactive where under-billing has been noted. The new system will ensure fairness and equality for all the residents and businesses in Rome from this point forward.
- When will this work be performed?
The work will be started around Mid-March 2017. The entire project will take approximately 24 months. In most cases the transition will be completely transparent and will not affect the residents. The work will be performed during normal business hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
- How will this affect my service?
A contractor will come to your residence and replace your meter. The water meter will be checked to verify that water is presently not in use. If no water is being used the meter will be replaced. There will be interruption of service for approximately one (1) hour during the change, but after that it will be the same great service (and even better) that you’ve come to expect.
- How long will it take?
In most cases, it’s a simple procedure that will require about one (1) hour.
- How do I know who is authorized to do the work?
We have contracted with Siemens/Pedal Valve to conduct this service. They will be driving Siemens/PVI trucks, wearing bright blue shirts with identified by “Siemens/PVI Meter Replacement Team” and carrying appropriate identification.
- Do they need to come inside my house?
No, all meters are located outside of the homes. or for indoor projects. Yes, Siemens/PVI will contact you to schedule an appointment for meter removal and installation.
- I’m on vacation or not available that day. Whom do I call?
In most cases it will not be necessary for anyone to be home. The majority of the work will take place near the street in the meter box. If you have any questions or concerns, call (803) 774-3222.
- Why was I not able to turn on my water after the meter was installed?
In rare instances, the main cut-off valve to your home may be left off. This will occur when the Siemens/Pedal Valve installation team is not able to pressurize your home following the installation. The normal cause of this condition is when an inside spigot is opened during the installation and subsequently left open. The water is not turned back on to ensure a sink or bath tub does not overflow with the resident not home to turn the water off. In these cases, your water will be left off and a door hanger will be left on your door providing you a point of contact to call to have your water turned back on immediately.
- Is there any Special Care or maintenance that I need to do to my new meter?
No, your new meter does not require any maintenance by the homeowner. As before, the City will take care of all maintenance. However, please know that this new meter has transmitting technology on it that allows our meter readers to read the meter with a lap top computer.
- I still have questions, where can I get additional information?
The City is working with Siemens/Pedal Valve to answer everyone’s questions as thoroughly as possible. Residents may call (803) 774-3222 for more information.
What to Look For:
Our team will place a door hanger at your residence at least 48 hours prior to beginning work, and they will place another door hanger once the work on your property is completed. Should they encounter an issue, they will place a door hanger at your residence explaining the issue and will work to get your meter installed at your convenience or as the repair schedule allows. The door hangers our team will be using throughout the project can be seen below:
Additionally, our team will be easily identified by Siemens/PVI Meter Team clearly marked on their vehicles. Additionally, each team member should be wearing a bright blue Siemens/PVI Meter Team t-shirt. Our team will not need access to the inside of your home. If an individual claiming to be with the Siemens/PVI Meter Team asks for access to your home, please call (803) 774-3222 to report.
