Overview
The Town of Olanta is working with Fortiline Waterworks and Kamstrup Metering to:
- Implement a new Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
- Replace over 370 town water meters with new water meters
- Remove and replace water meter box, as needed, to bring to Town of Olanta
- Improve the efficiency of meter reading
- The water meter upgrades began in early Summer 2021
How It Will Work
Meter Replacement Procedure: In most cases, meter change out is a simple procedure that requires an hour or less.
- The installation contractor will be operating in the Town between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
- It will take approximately 30 - 45 minutes to replace each meter and water services will be briefly interrupted during installation
- Door hangers will be distributed before the contractor arrives at any address
- The contractor will leave a door hanger after the work is completed
- Please clear the area around the meter when contractors are scheduled to arrive
- Residents are not required to be present during the meter replacement
- If your meter is not accessible or if you have special needs, please contact
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMR?
Automated Meter Reading (AMR) allows water utilities to gather utility usage data from its customers, both residential and commercial, without manually reading meters. The utility improves services and saves money by minimizing the costs associated with reading individual residential and commercial meters while allowing time to do other required maintenance activities. In addition, Automated Meter Reading improves data accuracy and helps identify irregularities.
Why is the Town of Olanta undertaking this effort?
Automated meter systems are quickly becoming the standard for utilities around the country. The new devices allow for more accurate and faster collection of water usage readings than the current manual method or drive-by method and improve safety conditions for utility staff. Currently, the meter readers must open every meter box to obtain a reading from the meter or drive through the town to get the radio reads. Introducing automatic meter reading as the standard for Elloree is one of the ways we can better serve our customers and improve the overall efficiency of the Water Department.
How many meters will be changed?
The Town of Olanta is replacing over 370 of the meters in the town.
Will the electronic device on the meter interfere with other electronic equipment?
No. The radio transmission operates in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices.
Do I have to be home for the meter replacement work?
No. Since the water meters are located outside of the home you will not need to be home for the replacement work.
What happens if I have a problem after the installation?
If you have a leak, low pressure or some other problem after the installation, or at any other time, you will be provided contact numbers that you can call to report your concern. Because your water will be turned off temporarily during the meter change process, you may experience a brief period of air or discolored water. In most cases, briefly running your cold water will clear this situation.
Why is the water meter being replaced?
To upgrade the meter to one capable of communicating with the AMR equipment and as an extension of an existing program to replace aging meters after they have reached the end of their life cycle. With the introduction of newer technology, the existing meters are not able to communicate using the AMR technology. The newer meters will save labor time, prevent recording errors, minimize wear and tear on vehicles, and minimize the need for utility employees to access the meter pit.
Does the meter have to be replaced?
Yes. All meters will be changed to be read by the automated meter reading technology.
Has the new AMR equipment been tested for accuracy and reliability?
Yes. Meters come pretested along with results directly from the manufacturer. The radio device will be tested for accuracy during the meter collection process regularly.
Will my water bill go up?
Possibly. Older meters tend to lose accuracy as they age and therefore do not measure all the water going through them. The new water meter will accurately measure the water that you use. All new meters are tested prior to delivery by the manufacturer to ensure that they register properly. If you see a higher bill immediately upon the new meter installation, it is likely the old meter was running slow.
Can I cover up the meter after the installation?
No. Access needs to be available at all times. There will still be occurrences when meter technicians will visit the meter on site to perform routine maintenance or verify high readings. Obstructions to the meter box are subject to removal by utility personnel.
What if there is something blocking or in front of the meter?
Please keep access to the water meter available at all times to ensure it is accessible for any potential emergency that would require the meter to be turned off.
Can I read the meter?
No. Only Town of Olanta staff and their agents are authorized to open the meter lid. Plumbers are not authorized to open meter lids.
How will I know that you have my reading & not someone else's?
Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is compared to your account record to ensure a match.
Contact Information
Town of Olanta may be reached via phone at (843) 396-4301