Two firms have been contracted to install Water Meters in Talkeetna, and have begun the process of installing a water meter for each residential and commercial water line this week. The firms, HDL and Parker Mechanical have been contracted by the Borough’s Public Works Department to install the softball-sized meters in a freeze-protected area of the buildings. Public Works Project Manager Jeff Walden says they are starting with customers who have already signed the Right – To – Access paperwork, which was mailed out in April.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The water meters have been funded by unused money left over from a USDA grant. Once they are installed, the meter can be read from the street using RFID chips, so further access to the property won’t be necessary.

Walden says once they’ve finished installing the meters where Right of Entry has already been granted, they’ll be visiting the remaining water customers to ask for access to do the installation.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Walden added that for customers who leave in the winter and drain their system, the Public Works department has a procedure to drain the water meter as well.