First meter installed

News — 23 November 2010

Dryden Mayor-elect Craig Nuttall was the first to have a water meter installed early this week. He was joined in his home by Neptune Technologies’ Joey MacSween and City of Dryden’s Mike Louttit. Photo by Ally Dunham

Mayor-elect Craig Nuttall led the pack with the installation of the first elusive water meter in the community.

“They were ordered, and we have to put them in, and my biggest complaint was that people couldn’t afford to pay for them. The initial cost is not being taken right away, it’s going to be a dollar a month or something like that. That is going to help a lot of seniors and young couples,” says Nuttall. “I found out the meter will tell me if I have leaks, but I don’t have any leaks in my house, so I’m really happy.”

The City of Dryden hosted an informational open house in partnership with Neptune Technologies on November 17, which over 150 people attended. Mike Louttit, Director of Engineering and Public Works for the city of Dryden along with staff from Neptune were on hand to answer questions and offer information to hesitant homeowners.

“We actually received a lot of information versus just providing information, so it was a good turnout and I was impressed,” said Louttit.

Pamphlets and letters have been sent out to certain residents already, depending on the area of the city you reside. The city has been split up into different regions, and installs of the meters are taking place according to region. Another round of letters will be sent out after Christmas for the remaining areas of the city.

Louttit reported that to be one of the biggest questions on the mind of city residents, and expressed concern as to why their friend or relative received a letter, and they did not. There will be the ability for snowbirds to make arrangements for earlier or later installation times, but residents are recommended to wait for the arrival of their install notice from Neptune.

Joey MacSween, Project Manager for Neptune Technologies says the physical installation of the meters will take an average of an hour and a half, and are installed by a registered Water Meter Installer. The installation takes place within six inches of the main water valve inside the home, and for any piping over 1 ?” will be taken care of by a certified plumber.

Louttit says the city plans on having upwards of 900 meters installed by Christmas. Residents can call the city if they have technical questions, or questions related to billing of water, but are encouraged to call Neptune directly for appointment times.

By Ally Dunham

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