As with any measuring device, meters can become less accurate as they age. This can cause them to register less volume of water than what actually passes through. Older meters also may not offer the technology advantages associated with new meters, such as radio or cell-based reading transmitters; improved transmission reliability; fewer moving parts; automated alarms; and interactive customer software. Our new meters also offer additional accuracy in the most common flow ranges, and are fully automated – reducing meter reading time and potential transcription errors. The ability to more accurately monitor community water usage will also help the Precinct plan for its future water needs.

Hooksett Village Water Precinct employees will typically replace the old meters. While the employees won’t have badges, they generally wear Precinct clothes and drive a vehicle with the Precinct logo. If you are unsure, please feel free to ask for their driver’s license or call our office to verify employment. Employee names and pictures are also provided on the Staff & Board page for your convenience. If you own a “deduct” meter used for sewer billing adjustment purposes, you are responsible for purchasing a new deduct meter from our office and having a licensed plumber install it.

E-Series® Ultrasonic water meters from Badger Meter use solid-state technology in a compact, totally encapsulated, weatherproof and UV-resistant housing, suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Equipped with an easy-to-read, 9-digit LCD display, the ultrasonic meter reports consumption, rate of flow, reverse-flow indication and various alarms. With no moving parts, the E-Series Ultrasonic meter improves reliability and has greater extended low flow accuracy compared to mechanical meters (see video link below). The meter transmitter automatically transmits readings to the Precinct office, eliminating the need to obtain readings directly from the meter and therefore improving efficiency and lowering meter reading costs. According to Wikipedia, “ultrasonic water meters are typically very accurate, with residential meters capable of measuring down to 0.01 gallons or 0.001 cubic feet. In addition they have wide flow measurement ranges, require little maintenance and have long lifespans due to the lack of internal mechanical components to wear out. While relatively new to the American water utility market, ultrasonic meters have been used in commercial applications for many years and are becoming widely accepted due to their advantages over traditional mechanical designs.”

Yes, there will be a temporary interruption while the meter is being replaced - typically about 30 minutes or so. We or your plumber will make every effort to minimize the interruption. If it is inconvenient at that time to have the water off, you may request that the installer return at a mutually agreeable day and time.

Yes, because the meters are almost always inside the building. Also, we and your plumber prefer to check that everything is back on and running correctly before leaving.

There is usually no charge for new meters less than 1” in size. However, meters that have been damaged, frozen, vandalized or tampered with will be replaced at the customer’s expense. For meters 1” or greater, the cost of meter replacement is typically borne by the customer. Meters used in specialized applications by customers are also typically paid for by the customer. The most common specialty meter is a deduct meter used for sewer billing adjustment purposes.

Older meters tend to run a little slower and may not measure all of the water going through them, especially small intermittent flows. Although the new meter will be more accurate, in most cases the increase in water measured through your meter will be small and should have minimal impact on your water bill. In a few cases, especially those where the old meter has ceased functioning properly, the increase may be more significant. In all cases, the new meters will more accurately and fairly record actual water usage. If you are surprised by your water usage, do not despair! Please visit our Water Conservation page or contact us directly to learn more about ways to reduce water use.

The customer is responsible for the repair or replacement of defective plumbing or deteriorating pipes on the customer’s side of the shutoff (or “curb”) valve near the street. This includes the water service line and valves and fittings near the meter and inside the building. When the conditions of those components prevent the meter replacement, the customer will be advised of the repairs needed. Most of the time, repairs are not required and the meter replacement is a relatively simple and quick exercise.

Your older meter may need a partial or full replacement depending on its age and the type of older technology employed. In some cases, the meter body is still functioning accurately enough but the transmitter is outdated – these are situations where only the transmitter is replaced. In other cases, the entire unit is replaced because it has (a) exceeded its life expectancy; (b) experienced greater-than-normal usage or (c) exhibited signs of wear or errors. Occasionally, a meter will also be replaced to improve the safety of our employees or reduce the need to access difficult locations.

Yes, if you have a deduct meter installed prior to 2016. Partial or full replacement is particularly important for deduct meters because they are typically associated with irrigation systems which use a substantial amount of water. New meters allow more accurate tracking of irrigation water use so that you receive full credit on your sewer bill. New meters also allow you to track water usage yourself in near real-time, so that you can catch an irrigation leak before it results in a high water bill.

Most of the time, the new meter will simply slip into the existing meter location. However, sometimes the existing meter location is out of compliance with current meter setting regulations. Regulations require that the meter must be located at or near the point of entrance of the service pipe to the building. Also, the customer must provide a clean, dry, warm and accessible place for setting the meter. If modifications to the meter location are required, the customer will be advised of the repairs needed.

If you have had a meter upgrade or replacement since 2016, you may be eligible to check your water use online in near real-time. To sign up for online access to your data with the EyeOnWater application, follow the helpful links listed below. If you have not yet received your new meter and would like to take advantage of this free online feature, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding meter replacements, please call or email us.