Utilities Water Budgets Water Use Monitors
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Water Monitors - Currently UnavailableThe City of Boulder is not distributing water monitors at this time. For a fee, the Utility Billing Office can provide you with a water monitor that will allow you to read your own water meter and help you stay within your water budget. You can purchase a water monitor for $75, affix it to your refrigerator with a magnet, and view updated meter readings. Click on the water meter that you own for tips, reminders, frequently asked questions and more information.
How to Use the Old Water MonitorsFrequently Asked Questions About the Old Water Monitors
A water monitor is a small box, about the size of a wallet, with a remote receiver that gets information directly from your water meter. It contains a magnet so that you can affix it to your refrigerator for easy meter reading from inside your home. Water customers can use the monitor to track water use for specific time periods and get updated cumulative meter reads. How much does a water monitor cost ? Water monitors cost $75. This price includes programming the monitor to read your meter and instructions on how to use the monitor. Please note: it could take up to 30 days to receive your meter upgrade and water monitor. How can I get a water monitor? Are there any cheaper options that will help me track my water usage between bills? Each customer is allowed one extra, complimentary water meter reading every six months. Meter technicians will read your meter and leave a door hanger with the information. If you would like an additional meter reading within that six-month time frame, you will be charged an extra fee for each additional meter reading you request. To request a meter reading, call Utility Billing at 303-441-3260. How do I use the water monitor to track water use during specific intervals? The water monitor has two lettered buttons: "A" and "B." Youcan set these buttons to track water use for any interval that you are interested in tracking. For example, if you want to track your water use for two weeks, first set the beginning of the interval by pressing and holding the "A" button until the monitor screen displays "dE 10." The monitor will then return to its last reading. Two weeks later, when you are ready to find out how much water you have used since setting the beginning of the interval, press the "A" button again (just once, do not hold it down). The amount of water you used in-between the beginning and end of that interval will show on your display. Pressing the "A" button will not start a new tracking period. To start a different tracking period, press and hold the "A" button until the monitor screen displays "dE 10." It is recommended that the "A" button be used for longer intervals, and the "B" button be used for shorter intervals, such as the amount of water you use to run the dishwasher or the sprinklers. When I hit the "=" button, the number it gives me is huge! This can't be how much water I've used this month. What's going on? The "=" button gives you the total number of gallons used since your water monitor was first installed. This number will grow over time. It will not be zeroed out at the end of each month. If you press and hold down the "=" button, your water monitor tracking number will appear. My water monitor isn't working. What should I do? • First, check to make sure you are within the range of the meter. What is the blinking light on my monitor? The light on your monitor is a leak detector. If you have a leak (not including a constantly-flowing toilet or a leaky faucet) and water has been leaking consistently for 24 hours, the blinking light will appear until the water stops leaking. How far away can the monitor be from the meter? The range is anywhere from 50 to 250 feet. The available range will decrease as the batteries get low. Can I change the battery in the monitor myself? The monitor holds 9 volt batteries and can be changed by the homeowner. Information is stored within the monitor so no reconfigurations will be necessary. If I move, can I take the monitor with me? The water monitor belongs to the service address and is programmed to communication only with that address's water meter. If you move, you must leave the monitor behind with the property like you would a garage door opener. Can I leave my water monitor outside? No. Water monitors are not weather resistant. If left outside, the monitor could fail and it will be up to the homeowner to buy a replacement monitor. Replacement monitors cost $75. For more information, contact the city's Utility Billing Office at 303-441-3260. Last Updated on Friday, 03 May 2013 10:19 |
