Old and current water meters being used in the city of Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – City Engineer Travis Dillman and Jamestown Water Department Superintendent Joe Rowell gave a presentation regarding the need for total water meter replacement in the city.

Dillman informed the Public Works Committee that a majority of water meters in the city are forty years old or older.

Dillman added that most meters are so aged, they can no longer be replaced and parts are scarce. This includes the meter reading equipment.

Of the 5,371 total water meters in Jamestown on the system, roughly 2,341 or 43% are 50 to 100 years old.

Dillman stated because of the age and other issues, it would be in the city’s interest to explore an entirely new system of water meter readings.

Water Superintendent Joe Rowell stated that because of the age of the system, there were a mishmash of water meters all over the city.

The proposed Radio Read Water Meters that would replace all meters in the city would allow staff to detect leaks, reverse flow, and tampering of the meters. With Advance Metering Infrastructure, there would antennas located on water towers and staff can read water meters from city hall.

This would allow for less staff hours to do other essential water department activities, instant read meters, and keep better accountability of overall water system usage.

The proposed overhaul would cost an estimated $2.5 million dollars with a funding option to use Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) for 20 years to be paid back by user fees.

Councilmember Dan Buchanan stated the city should begin to seriously consider this option and move forward quickly. Councilmember Dave Steele stated it would be beneficially to take a little more time to explore ways to save cost for the city before a decision is made.

The committee made a recommendation to look at plans for funding and updating the water system.