Water Monitors
The city is offering two alternative methods for you to get a sense of your water use between your monthly bills:
- You can purchase a water monitor for $200, which affixes to
your refrigerator with a magnet and provides updated meter readings.
- Each customer is allowed one extra, complimentary meter reading every six months.
Water Monitors: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a water monitor?
A water monitor is a small black box, about the size
of a wallet, that has a remote receiver in it 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. Consumers can use the monitor to track water use for specific
intervals as well as to get updated cumulative meter reads.
Why does the water monitor cost so much?
In order for the monitor to be able to read your
meter, your meter has to be upgraded. The $200 fee includes the labor
and costs to upgrade your water meter as well as the cost of the
monitor. You will be billed after your water monitor has been
installed. Please
note: it could take up to 60 days to receive your meter upgrade and
water monitor. You will be billed after your water monitor has been
installed.
How can I get a water monitor?
Only property owners can order a water monitor. To order, call Utility Billing at 303-441-3260.
Please note: it could take up to 60 days to receive your meter upgrade
and water monitor. You will be billed after your water monitor has
been installed.
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Are there any cheaper options that will help me track my water usage between bills?
Each customer is allowed one extra, complimentary
meter reading every six months. Meter technicians will read your meter
and leave a door hanger with the information.
If you want an additional reading within that six-month
timeframe, you will be charged an extra fee for each extra reading you
request. To request a meter reading, call Utility Billing at
303-441-3260.
When I received my water monitor, I was given some printed instructions. I've since lost them. Can I get another copy?
A copy of the manual can be downloaded here (pdf).
How do I use the water monitor to track water use during specific intervals?
The water monitor has two lettered buttons: "A" and
"B." The consumer can set these buttons to track water use for any
interval they're interested in tracking.
For example, if you wanted to track your water use for
two weeks, you would first set the beginning of the interval by pushing
the "A" button and holding it until the monitor displayed "dE 10" on
its screen. The monitor will then return to its last reading. Two
weeks later, when you're ready to find out how much water you've used
since setting the beginning of the interval, you would press the "A"
button again (this time not holding 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, push the "A" button and
hold it until the monitor displays "dE 10" on its screen.
It is recommended that the "A" button is used for longer
intervals, while the "B" button is used for shorter intervals, like how
much water you use to run the dishwasher or the sprinklers.
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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
for your meter since the time it was installed. This number will grow
over time. It does not get zeroed out at the end of each month. If
you hold down the "=" button, your water monitor tracking number will
appear.
My monitor isn't working. What should I do?
- First, check to make sure you are within the range of the meter.
- Second, check the batteries.
- If
neither of these options help contact the Utility Billing office at
303-441-3260. Do not throw away your monitor. If monitor is under
one-year old, Utility Billing can replace it under warranty and will
need the defective monitor back.
What is the light blinking 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 light
will appear until the water stops.
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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.
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Please refer to the instruction manual you received with your water
monitor for more information. A copy of the manual can be downloaded here (pdf).
For more information, contact the city's Utility Bill Office or submit your question online and receive an e-mail reponse.
Utility Billing Office
City of Boulder
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, CO. 80306
303-441-3260
Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 June 2008 01:51
Utilities