Show All Answers

1. I thought Monona already had smart meters. Why do i need a new meter?

With Monona’s current residential water meters, utility staff must drive by each residence and download a reading from each meter for each billing period.  The new meters have a special transmitter which feed to an antenna-based system and allow readings to be done from a computer.  So, the utility clerk can read individual meters right from her desk at any time.   And, you, the water customer, will be able to download a special app, create an account, and view and track your own water usage at any time.  

2. Where is my water meter?

Your water meter is likely located in your basement.  If you don’t have a basement, it’s probably in a crawlspace.  Or, rarely, it’s located in your garage.  Your water meter is a black unit. On the top is  a face with a dial.  There is a water pipe running to it and another running out of it.

3. How will the new meters detect leaks in my plumbing system?

The new meters will have the ability to flag unusual water usage and send an alert to the utility clerk, who can then alert the customer immediately to check for a potential leak somewhere in their plumbing system.  Or, with the Eye on Water app, customers can set up their own alerts.  With our current system and quarterly billing, it is possible for leaks to go undetected for up to 3 months between meter readings.

4. What is a cross connection inspection, and why does this need to be done when my new meter is installed?

State statute requires that utilities perform cross connection inspections for all residential customers every 10 years.  While the technician is installing your meter, he/she will check your plumbing to ensure there are no areas where backpressure could cause contaminated water to flow into the drinking water supply.  Read more about cross connections here.

5. I'm at high risk for COVID complications and do not want someone in my home right now. What are my options?

While the technicians installing meters are taking every safety precaution regarding COVID-19, including logging their temperatures each morning, wearing masks and sanitizing, and maintaining a strict 6-foot social distance, we understand that some customers will not feel safe with the technician coming into their home during this pandemic.  If you don’t feel safe, please call HydroCorp at 1-844-493-7641. They will put you on a list to delay your meter change until late spring or early summer.

6. How can I verify that the person at my door is a HydroCorp employee?

All HydroCorp employees wear photo I.D. badges with their full name included.  The technician will show you this badge, and if they don’t, you should ask to see it before you allow them entry into your home.  You can also verify the technician’s identity by calling HydroCorp at 1-844-493-764.

7. How much will the new meter cost?

There is no cost to the homeowner for the new meter or its installation.  If there are problems with your plumbing, for instance, if the valves at your meter are inoperable and will need to be replaced before your meter can be installed, it will be your responsibility to contact a plumber or complete this work at your cost.  Also, any corrections which are required to be made after the cross connection inspection will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

8. Crews were at my house and exposed a pipe on my property. Is that part of this project?

The pipe that brings water from the main in the street to your home has a valve called a curb stop.  If the valve at your water meter in your home is inoperable, the curb stop valve can be closed to turn off the water coming into your home.  Over the years, many curb stops have become buried in lawns or landscaping, or even under driveways.  Monona utility crews are locating and exposing buried curb stops in conjunction with the water meter replacement project. Once your curb stop is exposed, please keep it exposed and do not bury or hide it with landscaping.