MANSFIELD, TEXAS -- Master Meter and Ferguson Waterworks encourage water utilities and municipalities to invest in smart water management systems and their residents’ future. Meter systems are an essential part of the water system when coupled with connectivity capabilities that remotely capture data and streamline operations, achieving astounding customer service results, cost savings, and labor outputs.
The City of Harrodsburg, KY, understands the value of a smart water technology investment. Founded in 1774, this is the oldest city in Kentucky. Nevertheless, with Master Meter and Ferguson Waterworks' partnership, they’ve begun to enjoy the latest smart water technology available as they transform their water utility to bring all 8,000+ citizens an unparalleled new customer service experience.
The City’s system-wide upgrade will be complete by the end of March 2021. At the heart of the new technology is the Allegro AMI Meter Reading System, which provides continuous consumption and water flow information to provide insight into water usage and empower the citizens to manage their water footprint better. The system is paired with Harmony Meter Data Management software to drive down operational costs and speed up overall efficiency. All 4,573 metered connections in the City of Harrodsburg will use Master Meter’s BLMJ multi-jet meter, a global stalwart in measurement technology, and the Octave Ultrasonic for large commercial and industrial customers. Based on outstanding previous experiences, Ferguson teamed with Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) as the selected contractor to replace the aging water meters throughout the city.
Mayor for the City of Harrodsburg Art Freeman noted, “We wanted to not only address the challenges of today but make an investment in technology to face the difficulties of tomorrow and beyond. We chose an undisputed leader in successful partnerships with water utilities, Ferguson Waterworks. When it comes to smart water technology to help us meet our goals, our research shows that Master Meter’s smart water technology is a reliable, trusted choice.” Amy Kays, Service Director for the City reports, “this new system allows our service employees to get more done and focus their efforts on more pressing, critical issues.”
Meter installation is accomplished by zone with postcard notification to customers instructing them how to schedule a meter replacement when the time is most convenient for them. Every installation crew member will be screened daily, wear all appropriate PPE, provide identification and practice social distancing.
A smart meter investment empowers water customers with convenient on-demand access to timely consumption information, automated leak alerts, and a powerful budgeting tool to manage their consumption and increase a sense of water stewardship. “When Master Meter launched our smart water solution portfolio, we realized that it enables every stakeholder in a city - utility management and the end customers - to become a better manager of their relationship with water. Hence, our tagline, ‘Because Everyone is a Water Manager.’ At a time when customers are more tech-savvy and demand greater transparency, our portfolio of smart water technologies and engaging software make this a reality,” said Ian MacLeod, Master Meter’s Vice President of Marketing.
Brandon Pontious, Business Development Manager for Ferguson Waterworks noted, “We encourage any city or utility considering an upgrade in their water infrastructure to find a solution that not only satisfies their needs of today but one that will continuously return accurate and actionable analytics over the lifespan of the system. Meters are the perfect place to begin your infrastructure investment journey. By giving people the hands-on ability to see and make smart decisions about their water consumption, you’re giving them a window into why an investment in water infrastructure improvements is necessary.”
With this newest technology in place in Kentucky’s oldest city, the future of water is incredibly exciting. Crews have already completed all primary data communications infrastructure installations. Trusted partner Ferguson Waterworks is directing the entire turn-key project for the City. The City of Harrodsburg’s objective to operationally be more efficient while providing new heights in customer service to their citizens began this month, March 2021, when the first water meters were installed. Smart water tech empowers everyone, whether at city hall, the utility office, at a business, or a person’s home, to improve their understanding and relationship with water.
