Houston Public Works plans to replace approximately 25,000 of the city’s oldest water meters under an $8.5 million initiative pending City Council approval. The replacement project is part of a broader effort to modernize Houston’s aging water infrastructure, with 315,000 meters in the city being over two decades old.
The new smart meters will feature advanced technology, including remote read sensors that transmit real-time data to the water department. Initially, 2,000 meters will be installed at residences where outdated meters currently hinder connection to these sensors. The entire project will undergo a 12-month pilot program to evaluate the efficacy of the new technology across all council districts.
Public Works Director Randy Macchi emphasized the necessity of integrating new technology into the city’s water system. He noted the importance of ensuring the city’s capability to support the technology, thus providing a more efficient water billing system. This pilot program will serve as a test to identify potential future investments needed to enhance the system’s functionality.
The city previously installed remote read sensors on about 150,000 water meters in December at a cost of $35 million. The new project will not replace these recently upgraded meters. Instead, the focus will remain on replacing the oldest equipment to ensure ongoing modernization of the city’s water utility infrastructure. Macchi stated that the intent is to phase in new technology regularly, as should have been done historically.
Installation of the new smart meters will commence as soon as they are available, contingent on the contract’s approval by the City Council within the week. Customers will benefit from accessible, real-time data on their water consumption, eliminating the wait for monthly billing statements.
The $8.5 million initiative follows the ‘DRAINED’ investigation launched by KPRC 2, driven by complaints from Houston residents about billing inaccuracies. The investigation revealed significant gaps in the billing system, attributed largely to outdated meter technology. The investigation prompted the city to take action and address the issues through technological upgrades.
The Houston Public Works Department remains focused on ensuring accuracy in water billing and addressing concerns raised by its residents. The proactive approach, which includes the pilot program and subsequent assessments, aims to establish a robust and future-proof water billing system for Houston.
