What is the purpose of the program? To comply with a State mandate (AB 2572), the City of Sacramento has made steady progress toward installing meters. As of January 2015, 74,000 meters have been installed bringing the City to 55% metered. In addion, the City has secured funding through rate increases and bond sales to install nearly 15,000 more water meters by 2016. Since the City had already commied to replacing its aging water mains located in customers' backyards before the metering law passed, the City is now conducng joint main pipeline replacement and meter installaon projects. Combining these efforts saves resources and reduces impacts on customers. How are the water meter projects funded? Funding comes from mulple sources: ulity rates, loans, bond sales and grants. The City plans its water meter projects using three basic criteria: 1) Replace aging, leaking and undersized water main pipelines 2) Spread projects throughout the City so that no one neighborhood is impacted more than others 3) Idenfy needs adjacent to completed projects to allow for connued expansion of automated meters reading What are the benefits of the program? • Automated Meter Infrastructure with remote read capabilies • Water conservaon tool (leak detecon) • Accelerated meter installaon (City fully metered by 2020) - $5 Million savings due to front yard landscape installaon - $65 Million deferred costs to leave and retrofit mains in backyards Why was the decision made to place meters in the landscape/lawn area rather than the sidewalk? Installaon of water meter within the landscape/lawn area is a less expensive alternave. The City will save $5 million by placing meters within the landscape Why is the City giving property owners the opon of having their meter placed in the sidewalk for $400? The City responded to the request of the community to provide a sidewalk installaon opon. The decision to offer sidewalk meter installs at the property owner’s cost was recently developed and approved by the Department of Ulies and City Manager at the request of several Council Members as well as the community. Leers to affected property owners were quickly draſted and sent to the properes that would soon be under construcon. Water Infrastructure Improvement Program Frequently Asked Quesons Where is the meter box typically located? Below are the steps for determining where the meter box will be located. 1) If there is a park strip, the meter will be placed in the park strip 2) If there is no park strip, the meter will be placed in the easement behind the sidewalk when possible (i.e. subject to exisng public easements and site restricons) 3) If an easement does not exist or there are locaons where the meter cannot be placed due to encroachments, the meter will be placed in the sidewalk at no cost to the homeowner 4) If your neighborhood does not have sidewalks, the meter will be located in the front yard behind the curb How can a property owner determine where their water service is located? For homes that were built during or aſter the 1980s, there is a “W” embossed in the rolled curb at the front of the house. This “W” is located over the water service. The City also has records for most properes indicang where the water service was installed. Under what circumstances will the contractor install the meter in the sidewalk at the City’s cost? Water meters will only be placed in the sidewalk if: 1) Exisng water service is under a driveway, fenced areas, hardscaped area behind the sidewalk, or certain landscape encroachments. City Engineer determines construcon behind the sidewalk will compromise future access and maintenance of the meter and box 2) An easement does not exist Do I need to be home when my meter is being installed? For many meter installaons, it is not necessary for you to be home when installaon occurs. However, during certain installaons there may be a need for the contractor to enter your backyard for a period of me. When this is the case, the contractor will make arrangements with you for backyard access prior to work. Will I connue to have access to my driveway during meter installaon? Most meter installaons are constructed on one side of the driveway or the other so your driveway will not be blocked. Even for those where the installaon is constructed in front of the driveway, the contractor will make every effort to let you get your vehicle in and out of the driveway. Please ensure to ask the contractor for help. September 2015
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
What is the purpose of the program?To comply with a State mandate (AB 2572), the City of Sacramento has made steady progress toward installing meters. As of January 2015, 74,000 meters have been installed bringing the City to 55% metered. In addition, the City has secured funding through rate increases and bond sales to install nearly 15,000 more water meters by 2016. Since the City had already committed to replacing its aging water mains located in customers' backyards before the metering law passed, the City is now conducting joint main pipeline replacement and meter installation projects. Combining these efforts saves resources and reduces impacts on customers.
How are the water meter projects funded?Funding comes from multiple sources: utility rates, loans, bond sales and grants. The City plans its water meter projects using three basic criteria:
1) Replace aging, leaking and undersized water main pipelines2) Spread projects throughout the City so that no one neighborhood is impacted more than others3) Identify needs adjacent to completed projects to allow for continued expansion of automated meters reading
What are the benefits of the program?• Automated Meter Infrastructure with remote read capabilities• Water conservation tool (leak detection)• Accelerated meter installation (City fully metered by 2020) - $5 Million savings due to front yard landscape installation - $65 Million deferred costs to leave and retrofit mains in backyards
Why was the decision made to place meters in the landscape/lawn area rather than the sidewalk?Installation of water meter within the landscape/lawn area is a less expensive alternative. The City will save $5 million by placing meters within the landscape
Why is the City giving property owners the option of having their meter placed in the sidewalk for $400?The City responded to the request of the community to provide a sidewalk installation option. The decision to offer sidewalk meter installs at the property owner’s cost was recently developed and approved by the Department of Utilities and City Manager at the request of several Council Members as well as the community. Letters to affected property owners were quickly drafted and sent to the properties that would soon be under construction.
Water Infrastructure Improvement ProgramFrequently Asked Questions
Where is the meter box typically located?Below are the steps for determining where the meter box will be located.
1) If there is a park strip, the meter will be placed in the park strip2) If there is no park strip, the meter will be placed in the easement behind the sidewalk when possible (i.e. subject to existing public easements and site restrictions)3) If an easement does not exist or there are locations where the meter cannot be placed due to encroachments, the meter will be placed in the sidewalk at no cost to the homeowner4) If your neighborhood does not have sidewalks, the meter will be located in the front yard behind the curb
How can a property owner determine where their water service is located? For homes that were built during or after the 1980s, there is a “W” embossed in the rolled curb at the front of the house. This “W” is located over the water service. The City also has records for most properties indicating where the water service was installed.
Under what circumstances will the contractor install the meter in the sidewalk at the City’s cost?Water meters will only be placed in the sidewalk if:
1) Existing water service is under a driveway, fenced areas, hardscaped area behind the sidewalk, or certain landscape encroachments. City Engineer determines construction behind the sidewalk will compromise future access and maintenance of the meter and box2) An easement does not exist
Do I need to be home when my meter is being installed?For many meter installations, it is not necessary for you to be home when installation occurs. However, during certain installations there may be a need for the contractor to enter your backyard for a period of time. When this is the case, the contractor will make arrangements with you for backyard access prior to work.
Will I continue to have access to my driveway during meter installation?Most meter installations are constructed on one side of the driveway or the other so your driveway will not be blocked. Even for those where the installation is constructed in front of the driveway, the contractor will make every effort to let you get your vehicle in and out of the driveway. Please ensure to ask the contractor for help.
September 2015
What is the meter installation process?Step 1: Pre-Construction
• Letters sent to property owners• Utilities marked with chalk paint (up to 28 days prior to work)• Notification signs placed throughout neighborhood• Door hangers placed approximately one week and one work day prior to work
Step 2: Construction• Rectangular (28” x 18”) meter box installed - Box lids vary depending on location - Two lid types: Concrete & Fibrelyte - Lids can be painted by property owner if located within landscape• Additional water main pipeline work in some locations• Arborist may be consulted should work occur adjacent to a large tree to minimize impacts
Step 3: Post-Construction• Following all installations, disrupted surfaces are repaired or replaced in kind• Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) constructed
What are the next steps after my meter is installed? What is the current rate for metered water?
• City begins metering approximately 4-6 months after each project area is complete• Comparative bill mailed for one year - Flat vs. metered rate - Identifies usage and metered rate• Metered rated go into effect following one year of comparative billing• Customers can opt to switch to metered billing prior to end of one year period
How are meter rates determined?Meter rates consist of two parts:
1) Monthly basic service charge based on size of meter: - 1” Meter (majority of residential meter sizes) =
$24.40 - 1 ½” Meter = $45.95 - 2” Meter = $71.822) Volumetric rate or actual water usage, calculated in cubic feet and billed per 100 cubic feet - 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons - $0.99 per 100 cubic feet
What are the meter construction impacts?• Installation typically completed in one working day• Work hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)• 4-hour water shutdown maximum• Temporary parking restrictions, sidewalk closure and traffic delays• Construction related dust and noise
How will the City assure property owners that the landscaping around the meter box will be replaced to an equal or better condition as the existing landscaping prior to construction?The water meter for your property will be placed in a rectangular meter box with a concrete or Fibrelyte lid flush with the existing landscape grade. Pre-construction photographs will be taken of all properties within the project area. The contractor is required to return landscape areas to pre-construction conditions. If you feel that has not been accomplished when work is complete, a City project manager and inspector will review the pre-construction photographs to determine if additional work is required by the Contractor to bring the landscaping around the meter box back to its original condition.
What information do I need to know in order to make a payment for a sidewalk installation?You will receive a letter with a form that will allow you to opt for sidewalk installation. You will need to complete the form and submit it with payment. Payments can be made by submitting the form and check at the drop box on the front door of the Department of Utilities, located at 1395 35th Avenue in Sacramento or via one of the following methods:
Mail form and check to the Department of Utilities at the below address. Please allow additional time for form and payment to arrive if sending by mail.
City of Sacramento, Department of UtilitiesAttn: Sidewalk Meter Installation
1395 35th AvenueSacramento, CA 95822
Pay by check or credit card in person Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the below address. Ask to speak to a Department of Utilities representative.
City of Sacramento300 Richards Boulevard
Public Counter (3rd Floor)Sacramento, CA 95811
Prior to making a payment, please contact the Department of Utilities at (916) 808-5870 to inform the Project Manager of your intent to request meter installation in the sidewalk. This will help ensure the contractor is properly notified.
What happens if I pay for a sidewalk installation and then the engineer determines my property was going to have the meter located in the sidewalk due to obstacles at my property?The City will refund your payment.
What is the purpose of the program?To comply with a State mandate (AB 2572), the City of Sacramento has made steady progress toward installing meters. As of January 2015, 74,000 meters have been installed bringing the City to 55% metered. In addition, the City has secured funding through rate increases and bond sales to install nearly 15,000 more water meters by 2016. Since the City had already committed to replacing its aging water mains located in customers' backyards before the metering law passed, the City is now conducting joint main pipeline replacement and meter installation projects. Combining these efforts saves resources and reduces impacts on customers.
How are the water meter projects funded?Funding comes from multiple sources: utility rates, loans, bond sales and grants. The City plans its water meter projects using three basic criteria:
1) Replace aging, leaking and undersized water main pipelines2) Spread projects throughout the City so that no one neighborhood is impacted more than others3) Identify needs adjacent to completed projects to allow for continued expansion of automated meters reading
What are the benefits of the program?• Automated Meter Infrastructure with remote read capabilities• Water conservation tool (leak detection)• Accelerated meter installation (City fully metered by 2020) - $5 Million savings due to front yard landscape installation - $65 Million deferred costs to leave and retrofit mains in backyards
Why was the decision made to place meters in the landscape/lawn area rather than the sidewalk?Installation of water meter within the landscape/lawn area is a less expensive alternative. The City will save $5 million by placing meters within the landscape
Why is the City giving property owners the option of having their meter placed in the sidewalk for $400?The City responded to the request of the community to provide a sidewalk installation option. The decision to offer sidewalk meter installs at the property owner’s cost was recently developed and approved by the Department of Utilities and City Manager at the request of several Council Members as well as the community. Letters to affected property owners were quickly drafted and sent to the properties that would soon be under construction.
Where is the meter box typically located?Below are the steps for determining where the meter box will be located.
1) If there is a park strip, the meter will be placed in the park strip2) If there is no park strip, the meter will be placed in the easement behind the sidewalk when possible (i.e. subject to existing public easements and site restrictions)3) If an easement does not exist or there are locations where the meter cannot be placed due to encroachments, the meter will be placed in the sidewalk at no cost to the homeowner4) If your neighborhood does not have sidewalks, the meter will be located in the front yard behind the curb
How can a property owner determine where their water service is located? For homes that were built during or after the 1980s, there is a “W” embossed in the rolled curb at the front of the house. This “W” is located over the water service. The City also has records for most properties indicating where the water service was installed.
Under what circumstances will the contractor install the meter in the sidewalk at the City’s cost?Water meters will only be placed in the sidewalk if:
1) Existing water service is under a driveway, fenced areas, hardscaped area behind the sidewalk, or certain landscape encroachments. City Engineer determines construction behind the sidewalk will compromise future access and maintenance of the meter and box2) An easement does not exist
Do I need to be home when my meter is being installed?For many meter installations, it is not necessary for you to be home when installation occurs. However, during certain installations there may be a need for the contractor to enter your backyard for a period of time. When this is the case, the contractor will make arrangements with you for backyard access prior to work.
Will I continue to have access to my driveway during meter installation?Most meter installations are constructed on one side of the driveway or the other so your driveway will not be blocked. Even for those where the installation is constructed in front of the driveway, the contractor will make every effort to let you get your vehicle in and out of the driveway. Please ensure to ask the contractor for help.
What is the meter installation process?Step 1: Pre-Construction
• Letters sent to property owners• Utilities marked with chalk paint (up to 28 days prior to work)• Notification signs placed throughout neighborhood• Door hangers placed approximately one week and one work day prior to work
Step 2: Construction• Rectangular (28” x 18”) meter box installed - Box lids vary depending on location - Two lid types: Concrete & Fibrelyte - Lids can be painted by property owner if located within landscape• Additional water main pipeline work in some locations• Arborist may be consulted should work occur adjacent to a large tree to minimize impacts
Step 3: Post-Construction• Following all installations, disrupted surfaces are repaired or replaced in kind• Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) constructed
What are the next steps after my meter is installed? What is the current rate for metered water?
• City begins metering approximately 4-6 months after each project area is complete• Comparative bill mailed for one year - Flat vs. metered rate - Identifies usage and metered rate• Metered rated go into effect following one year of comparative billing• Customers can opt to switch to metered billing prior to end of one year period
How are meter rates determined?Meter rates consist of two parts:
1) Monthly basic service charge based on size of meter: - 1” Meter (majority of residential meter sizes) =
$24.40 - 1 ½” Meter = $45.95 - 2” Meter = $71.822) Volumetric rate or actual water usage, calculated in cubic feet and billed per 100 cubic feet - 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons - $0.99 per 100 cubic feet
What are the meter construction impacts?• Installation typically completed in one working day• Work hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)• 4-hour water shutdown maximum• Temporary parking restrictions, sidewalk closure and traffic delays• Construction related dust and noise
How will the City assure property owners that the landscaping around the meter box will be replaced to an equal or better condition as the existing landscaping prior to construction?The water meter for your property will be placed in a rectangular meter box with a concrete or Fibrelyte lid flush with the existing landscape grade. Pre-construction photographs will be taken of all properties within the project area. The contractor is required to return landscape areas to pre-construction conditions. If you feel that has not been accomplished when work is complete, a City project manager and inspector will review the pre-construction photographs to determine if additional work is required by the Contractor to bring the landscaping around the meter box back to its original condition.
What information do I need to know in order to make a payment for a sidewalk installation?You will receive a letter with a form that will allow you to opt for sidewalk installation. You will need to complete the form and submit it with payment. Payments can be made by submitting the form and check at the drop box on the front door of the Department of Utilities, located at 1395 35th Avenue in Sacramento or via one of the following methods:
Mail form and check to the Department of Utilities at the below address. Please allow additional time for form and payment to arrive if sending by mail.
City of Sacramento, Department of UtilitiesAttn: Sidewalk Meter Installation
1395 35th AvenueSacramento, CA 95822
Pay by check or credit card in person Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the below address. Ask to speak to a Department of Utilities representative.
City of Sacramento300 Richards Boulevard
Public Counter (3rd Floor)Sacramento, CA 95811
Prior to making a payment, please contact the Department of Utilities at (916) 808-5870 to inform the Project Manager of your intent to request meter installation in the sidewalk. This will help ensure the contractor is properly notified.
What happens if I pay for a sidewalk installation and then the engineer determines my property was going to have the meter located in the sidewalk due to obstacles at my property?The City will refund your payment.
Stay Updated!Visit cityofsacramento.org (search “Water Meters”), email [email protected], or call the project information hotline at (916) 808-5870
Related Documents
![Saint Lucia Water Supply Infrastructure …...Environmental Assessment (EA) Saint Lucia Water Supply Infrastructure Improvement Project ]March 25, 2005 Prepared for the World Bank](https://static.cupdf.com/doc/110x72/5f9d3c7b0494fa1bf21de913/saint-lucia-water-supply-infrastructure-environmental-assessment-ea-saint.jpg)
