Where will the water meter be installed on my property?

Your water meter will be installed where water first enters your property. Because of the way the meter must connect to the existing water pipes, Water Agency crews have very little flexibility in the placement of the meter. 

Your meter box and meter will be connected to the "water service" pipe and will be placed on your lot approximately 18 inches from the edge of the sidewalk. Water is supplied to your home through a series of pipes. As shown in the photo, water is supplied to all the homes on your street through a "water main" pipe. The "water main" pipe is located in the street approximately three feet below ground level. Each home is then individually supplied from the "water main" pipe through a smaller "water service" pipe that is also about three feet below the ground. In most cases, the sidewalk gutter is stamped with a "W" where your "water service" pipe crosses underneath the sidewalk in front of your home. 

Will my landscape be restored?

When your home was constructed, utility easements located adjacent to the property line between homes were established to accommodate future projects like water meter installation. In most cases, a full retrofit is a simple construction process. A crew will come to your property, dig a hole about two feet wide and five feet long, and install the meter box and meter.

After installation, removed sod will be reused and re-laid the same day your meter is installed. Any areas that cannot be re-laid with original sod will be replaced with new sod. In some situations, over the course of many years, improvements other than lawns have been constructed over easements-- such as RV pads or landscaping. If Water Agency crews need to construct within an improved area, every effort will be made to return this area to its pre-construction condition. Toward this effort, both "before" and "after" photos will be taken to assure, as is reasonably feasible, that the pre-construction condition is fully restored.

Will I have to pay the cost of the meter and the meter installation?

No. The Water Agency will pay for all expenses associated with water meter installation - including the cost of the meter.

Will my water bill increase because of being meter billed?

A review of some of our customers concluded that 63% of the households on metered water would have saved money or had no change in their water bill. However, customers who use above the average amount of water will see their bill increase. Compared to the current flat rate system, metered water bills are generally higher in the summer and lower in the winter.

What is statistical metering?

After your meter is installed, you will be placed on a one-year "statistical metering" program. This program is designed to statistically track your water use and provide you with comparative data on metered versus flat water rates. You will remain on a flat water rate during the one-year study period unless you request an early conversion to metered water billing. At the end of the study period, you will convert to metered billing.

If you find that your billed rate is larger than your current flat rate, you have the option to lower your water bill by reducing your water usage.

How will I be notified when my meter will be installed?

1. Public meeting. At least 90 days prior to your water meter being installed, Water Agency staff will hold a public meeting in your neighborhood to outline the installation schedule and process, and to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
2. Installation notification letter. You will be notified by mail of your scheduled installation date three weeks in advance. If you have any concerns about your installation date, you will be given the opportunity to reschedule within a month of your originally scheduled installation.
3. Door hanger. Approximately three to five days prior to your installation date, you will be provided with a reminder door hanger.

Is Sacramento County Water Agency the only water supplier required to install meters?

No. All water suppliers who receive water from the Bureau of Reclamation are required to install water meters. Many other water suppliers in the Sacramento area are in the process of installing water meters, too. While metering is new to some areas of Sacramento, it is a common and long standing practice in almost every city and region of California and throughout the country.