The smart money is on smart meters

The Western Virginia Water Authority has a responsibility to its customers to use the most effective and financially prudent water management practices, now and in the future. By utilizing the proven technology of an automated meter infrastructure, the authority is taking advantage of advancements in metering expertise, identifying leaks faster and providing our customers with secure and timely data.

While data supplied by the new meters remains the same, the way we receive information and the speed in which we receive it has improved. Water meters register how much water passes through the meter much like a car odometer records how many miles are driven. For billing purposes, these readings are compared to the previous reading to calculate the gallons of water used and billed each month. Instead of manually gathering these readings from the old meters every two months, securely transmitted daily readings now allow customers to receive accurate and timely bills every month. Customers have been asking for this feature to help with budgeting and leak detection, and the new meters allow us to offer this service. Meters in the distribution system also help the authority pinpoint leaks on our lines. The new meters, however, cannot remotely turn someone’s water on or off — and that is a good thing.

We may have upgraded our operations, but the authority’s commitment to protecting customers’ privacy has not changed. All data are securely stored, and only customers who are listed as account holders have access online, over the phone or in person.

For customers of the Western Virginia Water Authority, the automated meter infrastructure is a wise investment. From notifying customers quickly of leaks to pinpointing where leaks are occurring in our distribution system, the authority is using technology to improve the drinking water system to the benefit of all customers.

Weather Journal

5 hours ago

1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County 

2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day

3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys

4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping 

5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football 

6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen

7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust

8. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible

9. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli 

10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area