Cd'A council OKs nearly $600K for water meters, more

A plan to replace water meters in Coeur d'Alene is underway.

The Coeur d'Alene City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Badger Meter for the purchase of new water meters, registers and endpoints for nearly $600,000.

The Water Department began the Meter Change Out Program in 2005 due to significant undocumented water loss, according to a staff report. Today, the Water Department has an annual plan that will eventually replace all 20,000 meters in the city over a 10-year cycle.

"Once a meter reaches 10 years, it loses accuracy," Glen Poelstra, assistant water director, told the City Council.

There is also the problem of battery failure, and the Orion radio read ceases to work. 

The city changes an average of 2,000 meters a year, depending on the location. It is recommended that water meters be replaced or rebuilt once they reach above a 3% loss of water recording accuracy, "which is on average 10 years," the report said.

The only responsive bid was received from Badger Meter in the amount of $598,275.24. The 2024-25 fiscal year budget line item is set at $685,000.

Councilor Dan Gookin said the money comes from rate payers, not property taxes.

"I appreciate the attention you pay to the detail to keep the system up and running," he said.

The city has about 2,000 meters that have reached their life expectancy. Once an older meter is removed, it will be tested to identify any that are not recording correctly. 

The area targeted for water meter replacement is in the central part of the city, north of Sherman Avenue to 15th Street and to Harris Avenue.

"Meters that can be rebuilt will be considered for reinstallation the following year, depending on the financial feasibility, as well as the size and condition of the meter," the report said.