Department of Public Utilities Progress Updates for Water Meter Replacement Project

TOLEDO, OH – Director Ed Moore of the City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities held a press conference today to provide an update on the ongoing water meter replacement project. The project, initiated a year ago, aims to replace 116,000 outdated water meters across Toledo and Lucas County, with no rate increase for customers.

Director Moore shared that significant progress has been made, with 44,105 residential meters, or about 35% already replaced. Of the commercial meters, which are the utility’s primary revenue generator, about 80% have been replaced with just 60 remaining. Of the 21 base stations needed to create the private cellular network over which water usage data will be transmitted, 18 installations are complete.

However, he emphasized the importance of prompt response and scheduling by customers to ensure the project's completion by December 2024.

"We appreciate the cooperation we have received from our valued customers,” Director Ed Moore stated. “To achieve our goal of completing the water meter replacement project by the end of next year, we need your help. It is crucial that you respond promptly and schedule your meter replacement as soon as you receive your scheduling postcard."

The project is being carried out in phases across the city, and once the project reaches a new area, customers will receive a project overview letter followed by three scheduling postcards, providing all necessary information to schedule their appointment. Customers don’t need to worry about scheduling until they receive the first postcard. Appointments can be easily scheduled online at toledo.oh.gov/smart-meters or by calling 1-866-270-9629. The replacement process typically takes less than an hour and an adult must be present at home during the technician's visit.

"If you do not respond to the scheduling postcards, we will make one final attempt to reach you by phone,” Director Moore emphasized. “However, if we don't receive a response, your account will become eligible for water shutoff."

To ensure efficiency and meet the project's demands, the City of Toledo is working with a new contractor, Second Sight Systems, to increase its shutoff capacity up to 150 shutoffs per week. The crews will be performing water shutoffs on Mondays and Wednesdays, and turning the water back on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is crucial to note that there will be no same-day turn-ons and water turn-ons will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Director Moore urged residents not to wait until their water is shut off, emphasizing the importance of proactive scheduling. "Please, don't delay. If you are in an eligible area, call or go online and schedule your appointment today." The call center is available to assist customers from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The response rate so far from customers has been positive, with 75% of customers responding and scheduling their appointments within the appropriate time frame. In areas where shutoffs have already been performed, that response rate is 97%.

Additionally, Director Moore highlighted the curb box location efforts being newly undertaken by crews. These curb boxes, located where private water lines join the city's water main, are marked to ensure efficient water shutoff and minimize disruptions during meter replacements and other water operations in the future.

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