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1. Why is my water meter being replaced?

The City of Abilene Water Utilities Department has initiated a project to replace its approximately 43,000 water meters. The meters will be replaced with an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. AMI smart water meters give customers live data access, help conservation efforts, and ensure a better water future.

2. Does this mean my bill will increase?

Not necessarily. The new meters will simply record consumption more accurately. In some cases, your bill may increase, but only if your current meter has been underreporting usage.

3. Will the City be raising water rates to pay for the new system?

No. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system is a budget neutral project. It is anticipated that the cost of the new system will be offset from the money saved from underreporting, leakage, theft of water, and on-site meter reading.

4. When will this work be performed?

The work will begin near the fall of 2019. The entire project is estimated to be completed within 18 to 24 months. The work will be performed during normal working hours of 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. For information regarding which area we are currently servicing, check our Water Meter Replacement Project page.

5. 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 10 to 30 minutes during the replacement. After the meter has been replaced, your service will continue as normal. In many cases, the transition will be completely inconspicuous and will not affect the residents.

6. How long will the installation take?

In most cases, it's a simple procedure that will require anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes.

7. How do I know who is authorized to do the work?

We have contracted with Pedal Valves, Inc. to conduct the meter replacement service. The installers/crew will drive trucks and wear uniforms identified with the Pedal Valves logo or "PVI". The City will also have inspectors and customer liaisons on-site to handle any issues that may arise.

Please note that no member of our meter replacement team will ask to enter your home, request personal information, or seek payment of any kind. Should you incur such an incident, please contact our Water Meter Customer Care Hotline at 325-676-6311.

8. Do they need to come inside my house?

No, all meters in our City are located outside of homes. After your water meter is replaced, Pedal Valves will flush the line using an outdoor spigot to ensure that no debris is left in the line and subsequently into your sink filters or inside lines.

9. I'm on vacation or not available that day. Who 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 or alleyway in the meter box. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Water Meter Customer Care Hotline at 325-676-6311.

10. Why am I unable to turn on my water after the new meter was installed?

In rare instances, the main cutoff valve to your home may be left off. This will occur when the Pedal Valves 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 notice will be left on your door providing you a point of contact to call to have your water turned back on.