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Bloomington Looks To Automate Water Meter Replacements

Bloomington Public Works Department sign
Eric Stock
/
WGLT
As Bloomington moves to upgrade thousands of its aging water meters, the city plans to buy software that city officials believe will save it time and money.

Bloomington is looking to replace its aging water meters in the city more efficiently.
The City Council on Monday will consider an agreement with Newport News, Virginia-based Ferguson Waterworks to buy a software program that will enable residents to schedule appointments online or reach its call center that city officials said would be open later and could handle higher call volumes.

Billy Tyus
Credit City of Bloomington
Bloomington Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus says software the city is looking to buy will automate water meter replacement scheduling and inventory to free up time for city staff.

Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus said the software would save time for the city's water department staff so they can focus on infrastructure maintenance and other tasks.

“They will be freed up to do other water-related work,” he said. “It makes the process of changing out meters more efficient, both for the city and for customers.”

Residents with water emergencies currently have to call the city’s police department or use the myBloomington app to report a problem.

The software would also automate the city's meter inventory.

The city would pay Ferguson up to $75,000 per year to replace as many as 3,000 meters annually.

Bloomington city staff said in a memo to the council that 11 other communities, including Normal, have used the software and have had good results.

The city has been phasing in water meters that use radio frequency to deliver readings so that meter-readers don't have to get out of their vehicles.

Bloomington 101

The city is accepting applications for its Bloomington 101 program through Feb. 7.

The free 10-week citizens' academy includes facility tours and hands-on experience across various city departments, including police and fire and parks, recreation and cultural arts.

Communications manager Nora Dukowitz noted current council members Jamie Mathy and Jeff Crabill previously completed the program.

“We’ve also had several people who maybe had no idea they wanted to serve in local government who have completed the program and then found out about opportunities perhaps on our boards and commissions and have gone on to fill those roles as well,” Dukowitz said.

The twice-annual program started in 2014. The spring sessions begin March 19.

Applications are available on the city’s website.

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Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
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