How does the new meter reading system work?
Most meter readings will be taken by a vehicle driving through your neighborhood. In some cases, a meter reader may still walk the meter reading route. When the vehicle or meter reader gets near your meter, the meter transmits its meter reading by radio. The readings are collected by devices in the vehicle or held by the meter reader.
How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?
Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.
How do you know that my reading is accurate?
These state of the art water meters have electronic registers, which verifies the meter reading before it is sent to the transmitting unit. This reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.
Do I have to be home for the installation process?
If your meter is in your home, as most of them are, someone will need to be at the property during the installation. If no one is home when we come to your property, we will leave a card on your door. The card will give you the proper contact information for you to call and discuss the best time for us to return when someone will be home. If the meter is located outside in a meter pit near the street, you do not need to be home for this work to be completed.
How long will the installation take?
Under normal circumstances, the installation will take 30 minutes or less. The water will have to be turned off for about 5 to 10 minutes if the meter needs changed. Please be advised that there may be some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water line. This will clear up after running your water for a few moments. You may hear some noise as the air exits spigots and fixtures. This is normal.
How will I know your installer works for you?
Each installer will wear a WPJWA uniform and will have a picture ID badge. If you are unsure about the installer’s identity, call the Authority’s service office at 412-243-6200 for confirmation.
What if we have a leak after the automatic meter reading device is installed?
The Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority will make every effort to dispatch service personnel as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the leak and to take appropriate action. You may call the our service office Monday thru Friday 8:00AM – 4:30 PM or our after hours emergency service at 412-243-6200.
Once the Automatic Meter Reading system is installed are there any problems that can happen?
The new system will identify any problems that may occur. If a problem occurs, W.P.J.W.A. service office will respond to correct the problem. If damage occurs to the unit, such as the wiring between the water meter and the reading unit is cut or the register is taken off, the reading unit will signal that tampering or damage has occurred. The radio sending units are powered by a 20 year battery. In rare cases, the battery may need changed. The Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority will assume all costs associated with routine maintenance and replacement of the meter and radio register component.
