Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
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In September 2020 Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) began upgrading our customers’ current water meters with modern advanced meters.
November 2022 - Las Virgenes Advanced Meter Project Updates
The Advanced Meter Project has been completed. To get the most out of this exciting technology register your WaterSmart account now!
WHAT DO ADVANCED METERS DO?
• Meet rigorous health, safety and security standards
• Use proven technology with tens of millions installed throughout the US and numerous agencies within our region
• Gives customers 24/7 convenience to manage their water usage and billing, detect water leaks and receive alerts
PROJECT BENEFITS
Reduced water loss: Customers can quickly check water usage and detect leaks, which can save money and prevent costly repairs and damage when leaks go undetected.
24/7 online management tools: New online tools will help our customers easily manage their household water use. You can register to receive water alerts for leaks or high water use through email or text messages.
Daily bill information: Customers can review their daily water usage to better manage their monthly water bill. In addition, they can set household water budgets in order to be notified if they are going to exceed their water budget.
Ecofriendly: Less fleet vehicles on the road mean less emissions in our environment.
PROJECT FAQS
The LVMWD Advanced Meter Project continues the District’s commitment to providing communities with transparency, quality customer service, and an innovative platform that provides near real time access to water use data for each individual customer. Water meters on average have a 15-year lifespan, and most meters within the District’s service area are in need of replacement. The program will provide several benefits to the customer and the District, including early leak detection, comparison of water usage to existing water budgets, historical water use information, and minimizing District fleet vehicle usage to reduce carbon emissions.
What are the benefits of my new meter?
Reduced water loss: Leaks will be detected within 24 hours rather than at the end of a 30-day billing cycle. The smart meter will provide near real-time usage which will provide the homeowner with accurate information to help make usage adjustment choices and create cost savings.
24/7 online management tools: New Customer Connect online portal and tools will help our customers easily manage their household water use, register to receive water alerts for leaks or high water use through email/SMS, and have access to historical water usage trends for every household.
Daily bill information: Customers can review their daily water usage to better manage
their monthly water bill. In addition, they can set household water budgets in order to
be notified if they are going to exceed their water budget.
Cost Effectiveness: On average, each customer will pay an additional $0.33 per month on their monthly water bill and will receive all of the benefits of the Program.
Environmental Stewardship: Because of the technology being used to transmit and record data, the need for in-person monthly meter reads will no longer be needed. Fleet vehicle usage will be minimized which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Early leak detection will save millions of gallons of water, reducing the need to purchase expensive water transported over 400 miles to our service area from the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
When will my new meter be installed and how will I be notified?
Water meter upgrades will take place from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Customers will receive a notification in the mail 1-2 weeks prior to their scheduled upgrade. The District’s contractor, Ferguson Waterworks, will be installing the new water meters. Prior to installation, installers will knock on the door to notify residents of an interruption in service for up to 30 minutes while the new meter is being replaced. Customers do not have to be at home for the replacement to occur. Once the exchange is complete, customers will receive a door hanger detailing the work performed and additional contact information.
How can I view my water use online?
Once your new meter is installed, you will be provided detailed instructions on how to register and set-up your new online account portal. Instructions on how to sign up will be provided to customers on the day of their meter installation.
How is my information kept private and secure?
LVMWD takes our customers’ privacy seriously. Usage data and any other personal information will be highly encrypted to ensure complete privacy and information security.
Are these new meters safe?
Yes. The health and safety of our customers comes first, and the advanced meters use proven technology that complies with the rigorous requirements of state and federal communication and wireless data standards.
Numerous studies have shown that wireless meters emit lower levels of radio frequencies than common household devices such as laptops, cell phones or microwave ovens. Additionally, these meters are installed outside of your home, which further limits exposure to radio frequencies. LVMWD meters will not interfere with medical equipment.
American Cancer Society, California Council on Science and Technology and the World Health Organization each conducted a professional assessment of potential radio frequency concerns and all conclude there is no evidence that advanced metering radio frequency emission (smart meters) poses a health risk.
Will my bill increase?
Because these new meters are more accurate, there is a possibility that your bill may change due to a more precise measurement of your water use.
Will rates go up due to the cost to install the new meters?
No, the cost of the new meters is already factored into existing LVMWD water rates.
Where will antennas be located?
The majority of antennas are between 7 to 11 feet tall and will be installed at LVMWD facilities, such as our water tanks, keeping the visual aesthetics of your homes and our region intact.
Will I be able to opt out of the program?
An opt out policy is available. Click here for information and to view the policy.
Will LVMWD meter readers lose their jobs?
No. We value our highly skilled team members. Current meter reading staff will not lose their jobs; instead, they will take on new roles and opportunities here at the District.
What are the environmental benefits of these meters?
The new meters detect leaks faster, which saves water. Fewer LVMWD fleet vehicles will be on the road for meter reading, which reduces CO2 emissions and minimizes impacts on the environment.
What is the Project Timeline?
The LVMWD Advanced Meter Project will begin to be installed in 2020 with full project implementation to be completed summer 2022. Project updates, will be posted on the District’s website routinely.
Fall 2020
Phase One – Alpha Phase installation of approximately 100 advanced meters in a pre-selected location.
Early 2021
Phase Two – Beta Phase installation of approximately 2,000 meters sporadically placed throughout LVMWD service area.
Mid-2021 to Fall 2022
Phase Three – Full meter installation.
Contact us:
lvmwd.com/AdvancedMeter
Call 818.251.2200 (project hotline)
advancedmeterr@lvmwd.com