Water Meter Upgrade Project 2022

Update August 28, 2023

We will consider the meter upgrade project finished. 

We have found that the new water meter registers have greatly improved the water system integrity, leak detection capabilities, accuracy of water usage, water conservation, and ability to answer customer questions regarding usage.  During the Spring of 2023, there was a water leak where a customers old service line was mistakenly connected back to the new service line they had installed and was causing a leak back into the old water mains system.  It was quite an anomaly, but was able to be diagnosed within hours of which residence was causing the water leak and the customer had the leak repair taken care of immediately.  Without the new meter registers, it would have taken hours of digging and water main isolation before the problem was resolved.

Mailed with October 31. 2022 water bills

Update November 29, 2022

There has been quite a process and learning curve on the incorporation of the new meter registers into the billing system.  As previously indicated, the October and December billings will use the cubic feet rate of billing even though the new waer meter registers read in gallons.  Our billing software company is implementing a conversion process for those two bill cycles.  We are hoping to get the October bills out ASAP.

The install of new meter registers, meter lids and meter boxes is complete!  Work began on Monday, October 3rd and was mostly completed on Friday, October 7th.  The project was completed without major complications. We have appreciated everyone's patience and understanding during the installation. There were a few times that vehicles had to wait to pass by the large equipment that was in the roadway.

The installers did encounter a few locations where the meters could not be initially found due to gravel or landscaping materials that had been placed over the meter boxes.  In a few locations there were meter boxes that were surrounded by concrete that had to be removed.  As a reminder, JBWD Board Policy provides the District the ability to maintain its water service facilities on the premises of the customer.  That means the ability to service the meter and the meter box and lid.  Customers must not cover, modify or limit access to the meter box.  This also includes the encasing of the meter box in concrete or asphalt or installing an additional cover to the meter box.  

If you have any questions about the installations of the meter boxes or meter registers, please contact JBWD using our contact information found on the Contact Us webpage or contact a Commissioner at its main number, 360-474-7171

As previously stated, the new water meter registers will improve the water system integrity, leak detection capabilities, accuracy of water usage, water conservation, and customer service.  The new meter registers also measure water usage in gallons (whereas the previous meters registered usage in cubic feet).  The new water rates & fees for 2023 will reflect the charges for water usage in gallons.  For the October and December billings, our billing software company is implementing a conversion process for those two bill cycles.  

The JBWD Board of Commissioners reviews and approves its budget during November and December.  Final adoption of the 2023 budget and water rates & fees is done during its December Board meeting. 

Update posted on website, October 13, 2022

We have substantially completed the install of the meter registers and meter boxes as of October 11, 2022.

Work began on Monday, October 3, 2022 and for the most part was complete by Friday, October 7th.

The project was completed without major complications.  The installers did encounter a few locations where the meters could not be initially found due to gravel or landscaping materials had been placed over the meter boxes.  

We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during the installation.  There were a few times that vehicles had to wait to pass by the large equipment that was in the roadway.  

If you have any questions about the installations of the meter boxes or meter registers, please contact JBWD using our contact information found on the Contact Us webpage.

Update posted on website, September 30, 2022

Our start date is October 3, 2022

Work will begin on the replacing of water meter registers on Monday, October 3, 2022.  The total project should be completed by October 17th.  Workers will begin work in the mornings anytime after 8:00am.

The schedule of work is as follows:

• Replace 12 meter registers in various locations to test signal initiation processes.

• Juniper Pointe Lane beginning at the far west end.

• Ocean Drive beginning at the west end of Ocean Drive moving east.

• Simpson Lane

• Juniper Lane beginning at the east portion moving west

• Lands Hill area

• Upper Hill area which includes Ell Road, along State Highway 532, Ranch Road and Juniper Beach Road

• We ask for each customer's understanding and patience during the installation phase of this project.  

• Where only a meter register and new meter box lid is being installed, there should be little disruption.  

• In some areas when a total meter box replacement is needed there will be a disruption to traffic because of the large equipment needed in the installation of meter boxes.  

• There are some meter box locations that will take some additional work due to property owners having installed concrete around meter boxes, etc.  

Updates on which areas we will be working in will be posted to the JBWD website, www.juniperbeachwaterdistrict.net.  Simply click on the link in the ‘announcement banner’ found at the top of the webpage.  

The meter register replacement will be managed by the King Water Co.  They perform all water management services for Juniper Beach Water District.  Should you have concerns or questions, please contact a Commissioner at its main number, 360-474-7171.  Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the project can be found on our website. 

Update posted and mailed on September 26, 2022

Basic information regarding the Meter Upgrade Project

Due to delays in shipping and the manufacturing of meter boxes and lids, the project has been pushed back several times.  Chain supply issues and delivery problems have caused much frustration with this project.  We have been disappointed several times with issues of our suppliers to stay on track with honoring their lead times and commitments.  The project will be completed and without further expense as the prices will be honored from the time ordered.  

Juniper Beach Water District (JBWD) Commissioners are eager to get this project completed early in the fall before the rains begin.  We ask for each customer's understanding and patience during the installation phase of this project.  Where only a meter register and new meter box lid is being installed, there should be little disruption.  However, in some areas when a total meter box replacement is needed there will be a disruption to traffic because of the large equipment needed in the installation of meter boxes.  Updates on which areas we will be working in will be posted to the JBWD website, www.juniperbeachwaterdistrict.net.  Simply click on the link in the ‘announcement banner’ found at the top of the webpage.  

JBWD has previously communicated the need for this upgrade project for all water meters within its customer service area.  That information can be found on the JBWD website.  The JBWD Board of Commissioners determined that it was best to undergo a complete upgrade for our water meters at one time instead of over several years.  The new water meter registers will improve the water system integrity, leak detection capabilities, accuracy of water usage, water conservation, and customer service.  In addition to the meter registers, it is necessary to replace the existing meter box lids with a polymer type lid.  When determining the correct lids to fit our existing meter boxes, it was discovered that the District would have to replace some meter boxes as well.  The older concrete meter boxes do not have a cost effective replacement lid.  It was confirmed that replacing the meter box (with the correct corresponding lid) is the best option.

The meter register replacement will be managed by the King Water Co.  They perform all water management services for Juniper Beach Water District.  Should you have concerns or questions, please contact a Commissioner at its main number, 360-474-7171.  Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the project can be found on our website. 

What is the Water Meter Upgrade Project?

• In reality the whole water meter is not being replaced.  Only the ‘register’ which records and transmits water usage data is being replaced.  Every meter is getting a new register.

• The District plans to replace approximately 154 water meters during the month of October 2022.

• The District owns the water meters and is responsible for maintaining, upgrading and/or replacing them. 

• The project cost is funded through water utility revenue.

• The water meter upgrade project will be completed in phases, coordinated by the service area. I.e., Beach area, Land’s Hill area, Upper Hill area.  Closer to the installation date, customers will be apprised of the proposed installation timeline via its website.

• The estimated timeline for replacing all meter registers within the District should only take 5 days.

• Badger Meter was chosen for the meter upgrade project because the current meters are Badger and the new registers will fit without having to replace the whole meter.  Badger Meter provides a cost effective, reliable, and accurate product.

• Customers may call JBWD at 360-474-7171 if they have questions regarding this project. 

Why are you replacing the meter registers?

• Many of the meters included in the project exceed their effective life.

• Currently installed meters have a radio frequency interface to transmit water usage data from the meters.  The new registers will use a cellular interface to transmit data.

• The project will improve system integrity, leak detection capabilities, accuracy of water usage, water conservation, and customer service.

• In addition to the replacing of meter registers, it is necessary to replace the meter box lids.  All meter boxes will be fitted with a new polymer type lid to accommodate the new registers.  Meter boxes of the older concrete style must be also be replaced.

Who will install the new meters?

• Meter register replacement is managed by the King Water Co.  They perform all water management services for Juniper Beach Water District.

• King Water Co. is committed to a high level of customer service.  Should you have concerns or questions, please contact a Commissioner at its main number, 360-474-7171.

 Do they need to come into my house?

• No, installation workers will not need to come inside your house.  There is no plan to turn off water service when replacing the water meter registers.

Will my service be disrupted?

• Customers should not experience any disruption of water service during installation of the meter registers.  There is no need to turn off the water service to your house.

Will there be a disruption to traffic in the area?

• Where only a meter register and new meter box lid is being installed, there should be little disruption.  

• However, in some areas when a total meter box replacement is needed there will be a disruption to traffic because of the large equipment needed in the installation of meter boxes.

How long does a replacement take?

• A typical installation should take less than an hour.  However, where the concrete meter boxes must be replaced and this might take up to 90 minutes.

How will I know when you are replacing the meter register at my property?

• Updates will be posted on the JBWD website, www.juniperbeachwaterdistrict.net. 

• The replacement of the meter registers will be completed in phases.  This will be coordinated by the service area (Beach area, Land’s Hill area, Upper Hill area) and the type of meter box currently in place.

Should I take any special steps after the meter register is replaced?

• There is nothing the customer needs to do.

Will I see my bill go up?

• Whenever a new meter register is installed, there is a slight chance that your bill may increase due to improved accuracy of the new meter.  We assume this would be very minimal. JBWD Board of Commissioners are establishing new water rates due to the fact that meters are now being read in gallons and not cubic feet.  This will be mailed out to customers prior to the billings following installation of new meter registers. 

• The new meter will accurately reflect your water consumption.  In addition, the new meters will measure water usage in gallons now instead of cubic feet.

• If you are concerned about your usage, please call the District’s main number at 360-474-7171.

Why is there a cord attached to my meter?

• The cords are attached to the transducer (from the meter register) which allows for the transmitting of data that accurately measures water usage data.