Title
Large Water Meter Testing - Proposal
History
There are currently 729 large water meters ranging in size from 1-1/2” to 8” within the Village-maintained water system. To minimize unaccounted-for-water loss, the American Water Works Association recommends testing large water meters at a minimum of every four years. The highest quantity users are tested more frequently to ensure their accountability of water. The Utility Division of the Public Works Department conducted large meter testing between 2004 and 2007 and recently from 2013 through 2015.
From a bid process in 2013, the Village Board awarded M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. of Valparaiso, Indiana a three year contract (2013, 2014, 2015) for the testing of large meters. The costs for both daytime and after-hours testing were: $195 for 1-1/2”, $225 for 2”- 3” and $245 for 4” to 6” for fiscal years 2013 and 2014, respectively. Meter testing costs were $200 (1-1/2”), $230 (2”- 3”) and $250 (4” to 6”) during fiscal year 2015.
The Village has been pleased with M.E. Simpson Co., Inc and recommends extending their contract for an additional 3 years. M.E. Simpson agreed to hold their 2015 meter testing pricing through 2016 and 2017. The three (3) year contract extension would cover testing services in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The 2018 large meter testing costs would see an across the board increase of 4.5%. Continuing from this contract, if a meter fails a test due to mechanical error, M.E. Simpson Co. will repair the meter and charge the Village the manufacturer’s list price of the replacement parts, plus 5%.
The total number of meters tested and repaired annually will be based on the Board-approved budgeted amount. There is currently $70,000 budgeted for large water meter testing in FY 2016.
On January 4, 2016, this item was reviewed and approved by the Public Works Committee and reffered to the Board for approval.
Financial Impact
Funds are available in account #031-6002-432990 for this work.
Reco...
Click here for full text