Recently, an unusual spike in usage alerted Osceola Water Works crew that there was a potential problem. With a quick phone call, they were able to alert the customer, who found and stopped the leak before too much damage could be done. Previously, that same situation may not have been found until the next time meters were read.
A recent meter replacement catches water usage alert, reducing likely costs for Osceola resident.
In the Fall of 2024, Osceola Water Works began a project of replacing water meters with new Sensus Smartpoints and Meters using the FlexNet System.
The top priority is to focus on the most aged infrastructure, with the goal of having all the approximate 2,300 water meters updated in 5 years. Osceola Water Works staff will be contacting customers to schedule an appointment. The meter change-out process is at no-cost to the customer, usually takes ½ hour to complete, meters must be accessible, and customers must be present.
The FlexNet system is wireless and uses a protected Radio Frequency to pass data from the SmartPoint on the water meter, to the base station, and then to the utility for reporting and analysis.
The Sensus meters read hourly and send the information to the Utility. Reports are generated each day indicating continuous usage or usage of 300+ gallons or more in the past 24 hours per meter. These reports allow staff to monitor and detect unusual water activity such as a leaking toilet or other issues.
The updated system’s ability to give constant and frequent meter readings will go a long way toward keeping costs down and preventing unnecessary water waste,” said Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Works Superintendent.
Upgrading the meter reading system gives Osceola Water Works the technology to modernize aging infrastructure and improve service to customers in a variety of ways:
- Customers receive more accurate bills and readings.
- The FlexNet system can help identify unusual water use that may indicate a leak, helping to catch problems earlier so customers can potentially avoid high bills or property damage.
- Automatic readings replace manual meter readings, saving time, fuel, and labor costs.
This technology helps Osceola Water Works with precise, real-time information to respond faster to outages, pressure changes, or other operational issues and to help customers feel more in control of their water usage and create an efficient and reliable water utility team for years to come.