CSID

Water Meter Replacement Program

CSID is launching a districtwide water meter replacement program to modernize its water metering system and provide customers with more accurate and reliable water usage information. Approximately 10,000 residential, irrigation, and commercial meters will be upgraded to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters, Two Men Wearing Yellow Safty Vest working to install water meterswhich offer improved accuracy, enhanced leak detection, and access to a new online customer portal where customers can monitor their water usage.

The program is fully funded through CSID’s Capital Improvements Program and will not create the need for a rate increase associated with this project. Meter replacements are expected to begin this summer and continue over approximately 12 months, with customers receiving advance notice before installation.

For resident concerns or questions related to the new water meters, feel free to reach out to our Water Meter Project Team Representatives at 954-393-0222 or by email at CSIDWaterMeterProgram@QCAusa.com

Water Meter Replacement Program Documents

Water Meter Replacement Program Photos

Water Meter Replacement Program FAQs

ABOUT THE METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

  •  Water meters have a limited service life. As they age, they can become less accurate and may not fully record water usage.
  •  CSID (The District) is replacing older residential and commercial water meters with new smart meters to improve billing accuracy, system reliability, and customer service.
  • The new smart meters are part of CSID’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system.
  • The system allows water usage to be read remotely without the need for manual meter readings or drive-by visits.
  • Smart meters provide more accurate readings and improved access to water usage

The new smart meter system provides several benefits for customers and CSID, including:

  • More accurate water bills
  • Earlier detection of potential leaks
  • No more estimated meter readings
  • Faster identification of service issues
  • More reliable and consistent water usage readings
  • Reduced need for personnel to access private property
  • Improved efficiency of the water system
  • Quicker response to customer service inquiries
  • Better visibility into your water usage

No, all CSID water meters will be upgraded to new smart meters

  • Each utility meter is equipped with a small radio transmitter that securely sends water usage data to nearby network collectors.
  • The information is then transmitted electronically to CSID for billing, system monitoring, and customer service purposes.
  • The new meters operate in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
  • The smart meters do not interfere with other radio frequencies or electronic devices.
  • The transmitters use only a fraction of the power of a typical cellular phone and transmit for approximately 15 seconds per day.
  • Data transmitted through the AMI system is encrypted throughout the transmission process.
  • No personal information is transmitted. Only meter identification information and water usage data are collected.
  • Each AMI device has a unique identification number that is electronically matched to your account to ensure accurate readings and billing.
  • The meter box should remain clear of landscaping materials, dirt, mulch, or debris so the meter can transmit information properly.
  • Customers should periodically inspect the meter box area and keep
  • If there are any issues with your new smart meter, please contact the Water Meter Project Team at 954-393-0222 or email us at CSIDWaterMeterProgram@QCAusa.com

 

The meters are specifically designed for outdoor use and will continue to function properly under wet conditions.

  • The meter replacement program has been planned and funded through CSID’s Capital Improvements Program and will not create the need for a rate increase specific to this project.
  • There is no monthly fee associated with the new smart meters.

SMART METER INSTALLATION AND NOTIFICATIONS

  • Meter replacements are expected to begin by the end of June.
  • Meter replacements will take place throughout The District and are expected to be completed in approximately 12 months.
  • VEPO, the District-approved contractor, will perform the installation work.
  • On the scheduled installation day, the technician will verify that water is not being used at the property and will inspect the existing meter before replacement.
  • Once confirmed, the installer will disconnect the existing meter and replace it with the new smart AMI meter.
  • Each meter replacement takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
  • Residents may experience a brief water service interruption of approximately 10 minutes during     the replacement process
  • A door hanger will be placed at your home approximately one week before your scheduled installation.
  • On the day of installation, the contractor will also knock on your door before work begins.
  • A door hanger will be left confirming that your new smart meter has been installed.
  • Meter replacements are generally completed one neighborhood and street at a time. However, crews may occasionally need to skip a property and return later due to unexpected conditions.
  • In order to replace a meter, the water must be temporarily turned off. If water is actively being used at the property when the crew arrives, the meter cannot be replaced at that time. In those cases, the contractor will return at a later date to complete the installation.
  • No. Meter replacements are completed according to a scheduled route established by CSID.
  • For most residential installations, someone does not need to be home.
  • The installation contractor will coordinate directly with commercial customers and businesses as needed.
  • All work is performed at the water meter location near the sidewalk or roadway. Contractors will not enter your home for any reason.
  • All installers and contractors will carry identification badges and operate clearly marked vehicles.

Temporary discoloration or air in the water lines can occasionally occur after service is restored. Running cold water for several minutes usually resolves the issue.

BILLING AND METER ACCURACY

  • Older water meters can become less accurate over time and may not fully record water usage.
  • The new meters provide more accurate readings, which may result in some customers seeing a change in their water bill.
  • In some cases, older meters or communication equipment may not have been transmitting complete readings due to age or battery failure. The new system helps ensure water usage is recorded and reported accurately.
  • No. CSID will coordinate meter replacements after obtaining the monthly meter reading to avoid estimated bills whenever possible.
  • Like any mechanical device, water meters can wear out over time and become less accurate. As meters age, they may have difficulty detecting very low or continuous water use, such as:
    • Running toilets
    • Dripping faucets
    • Irrigation system leaks
    •  Small continuous water flows

The new meters are designed to provide more accurate readings and better track water usage.

  • The new meters meet or exceed industry standards for accuracy and are tested before installation.
  • They are designed to detect even very small amounts of water use, helping ensure your water bill reflects actual usage.
  • Many older meters have exceeded their useful service life and may no longer accurately record all water usage. In some cases, older meters can miss a significant amount of water flowing through the system.
  • First, check for leaks or continuous water use, such as a running toilet, dripping faucet, or irrigation system leak.
  • If you still have concerns, please contact CSID Customer Service. Staff can review your usage history and help identify possible causes.

LEAK DETECTION

Yes. The new smart meters can help you spot leaks and unusual water use sooner by providing more up-to-date water usage information.

Common examples include:

  • Running toilets
  • Dripping faucets
  • Irrigation system leaks
  • Broken sprinkler heads
  • Other water leaks around your home or business

A simple way to check for leaks is:

  • Turn off all water inside and outside the property.
  • Observe the meter flow indicator.
  • If the indicator continues moving, there may be a leak.

Running toilets are one of the most common causes of unexpectedly high water bills.

CUSTOMER PORTAL AND WATER USAGE

  • As part of the smart meter upgrade, CSID will launch a new online customer portal that gives customers access to their water usage information in near real time.

Customers will be able to:

  • View hourly water usage updates
  • Track daily and monthly water consumption trends
  • Identify potential leaks more quickly
  • Better manage irrigation and household water use
  • Access account information online anytime
  • Customers will typically see updated water usage information in the portal every four to six hours.
  • No. Water meters do not control water pressure. The meter only measures the amount of water flowing through the service line.

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

  • Your past water usage and billing history will remain in CSID’s records and will continue to be available for billing, account history, and customer service purposes.
  • If you experience problems after installation, please contact the CSID Water Meter Program Hotline at (954) 393-0222.
  • Please contact the CSID Water Meter Program Hotline at (954) 393-0222.
  • Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

FINAL NOTE

CSID appreciates your patience and cooperation as we upgrade The District’s water metering system. These improvements will provide more accurate billing, enhanced reliability, and new tools to help customers better understand and manage their water usage.