The Neptune water meters collect near-real-time data, which the city and customers can use to detect leaks and optimize water usage, said Public Services Director James Baker.
Meters are replaced with every lead service line replacement, Baker said. They are also installed whenever new services are connected to the system or an existing meter is in need of repair.
There are currently 7,500 smart meters in operation across the city’s 46,000-meter system, Baker said.
The city will replace 1,300 lead service lines in the Edison neighborhood this year, Baker said. The majority of meters purchased in January will be installed there.
Installing the meters while replacing lead service lines means crews will only need to enter residents’ homes once, said Commissioner Christ Praedel.
The remainder will be installed in areas west of U.S. 131 and south of I-94, he said. Texas Township contracts with the city for water service.
City officials could not be reached to provide the number of meters included in the Jan. 6 purchase.
Meters will also be installed in Richland Township this year, Baker said, in partnership with the Gull Lake Sewer Water Authority. These meters were purchased prior to the January meeting.
The city of Kalamazoo started phasing smart meters in to its system after a successful 2019 pilot program.
In 2020, all meters in the Parchment water system were replaced with smart meters, the city said previously.
Funding comes from the city’s water fund. This money is raised by water customer’s quarterly bills.
There are no additional costs for installation.
The city raised its 2025 water rates 5%, citing the cost of lead service line replacement and advanced water treatment technology.
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