Rochester Water Meter Upgrade Project Needs More Sign-Ups

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester homes and businesses are getting new advanced water meters, but the process of getting them installed is going a bit slower than hoped.

RPU Needs More Water Meter Installation Appointments

Rochester Public Utilities General Manager Tim McCollough explains that the response to outreach efforts in the areas currently targeted for installation of the new water meters has been slower than anticipated, and the municipal utility is reminding customers of the importance of scheduling an appointment. He says about 60% of the customers in the northwest Rochester area that is currently the focus of the project have contacted RPU to schedule the work, but that response rate needs to be in the 80% to 90% range.

ALSO SEE: RPU Meter Upgrade Project Begins June 1 in Rochester

Get our free mobile app

McCollough discussed the project and the need for more scheduled appointments during his monthly appearance with Andy Brownell on RPU Unplugged during Rochester Today on News-Talk 1340 KROC-AM and 96.9 FM.

Click on the link below to hear the entire interview.

The focus of the meter installation project is currently an area north of Highway 14 and west of Highway 52, from Valleyhigh Drive Northwest to West Circle Drive. Homeowners in that area are urged to call RPU or visit the RPU website to schedule an appointment to have their aging water meter replaced with a new advanced meter. Once the installation process is largely completed in that area, the project will expand to other parts of northwest Rochester and eventually to other areas of the city.

RPU

Interactive Map Shows Eligible Rochester Properties

McCollough says the RPU website also allows customers to search an interactive map using their address to see if they are currently eligible for a meter exchange. He says that once the installer gains access to a customer's home and locates the existing water meter, the actual installation process usually takes only a few minutes.

Installation Usually Takes Only a Few Minutes

He also notes that customers can speed up the process by clearing away any boxes or other items stored near the water meter. The meter is typically located near the home's water shutoff valve, which is usually found in the basement where the water service line enters the house, most often in the utility room.

McCollough says the rollout of the new water meters began last month, and the process of replacing the old meters throughout the city is expected to take approximately three years.