Joanne Williams
Editor
(Courtesy photo – Technicians from PMI will wear badges, safety vests and arrive in vehicles marked with the company’s name. They will need access into homes with indoor water meters.)
Blame it on the internet. That, and the fact that equipment, like the human body, wears out, eventually.
That is the reason green postcards have been mailed to Charlotte residents, or doorhangers placed, as the phasing out of old water meters and the installation of new begins.
Besides wear and tear, and possibly dead batteries, water meters are routinely cycled out by municipalities through companies such as Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) , which is performing Charlotte’s project.
From now until the beginning of the new year, the city says installation areas will be phased in and out of the process.
The need for the work was first introduced in a Sept. 25, 2025 City Council meeting, where members heard information about updating the system which manages water meter use and readings.
The city eventually changed to the Sensus AMI FlexNet system, and the need for new meters came, for about 50% of meters in operation, for compatibility with the new system. This is where the Internet of Things comes in – the ability to connect physical hardware with data gathering and/or delivery systems.
The project cost, of about $1 million, was reviewed and eventually approved by council. A March 9 City Council meeting discussion also identified the need for PMI’s assistance, to replace meters at a faster pace.
Residents do not have to pay when the meters are installed. Instead, they are asked to follow the procedures listed on the green card. The most important detail is that someone, age 18 or older, must be present in the home for the 15-20 minute meter work required, which will include water shut-off for that time period.
Residents are asked to call or go online to schedule the work. Replacement is mandatory for those who use city water. The information is on the green card or door hanger. The Charlotte Department of Public Works may also be contacted, at 517-543-8858.
Facebook posts about this project have mentioned the possibility of higher water bills.
Public Works Director Stephanie Whitney said the “readings will be a more accurate” reflection of water use. The new system will also offer a more timely assessment of unusual use, so the city can follow-up on any problems or questions. The need for a person to go around and read meters in person will be gone. The Sensus system provides real-time data. “It will save real time” for the city, too, Whitney said.
According to a recent city notification, “Residents may see PMI technicians working throughout neighborhoods over the coming months. Technicians will carry company identification and may need access to the water meter location inside some homes or businesses.”
Whitney added that within the next few weeks, city workers will also be wearing uniforms that more visibly identify them as employees of the city.
