As water utilities continue to realize the value of smart water technology investments, the City of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, has undertaken a project that will transform its water utility and bring its 8,000-plus citizens an unparalleled new customer service experience.
Founded in 1774, Harrodsburg is the oldest city in the state. Working with Master Meter and Ferguson Waterworks’ the city has begun to enjoy the latest in smart water technology with a system-wide upgrade that is expected to be completed in by the end of this month, March 2021.
At the heart of the new technology is Master Meter’s Allegro AMI Meter Reading System, which provides continuous consumption and water flow information to provide insight into water usage and empower the citizens to manage their water footprint better. The system is paired with Harmony Meter Data Management software to drive down operational costs and speed up overall efficiency. All 4,573 metered connections in the City of Harrodsburg will use Master Meter’s BLMJ multi-jet meter and the Octave Ultrasonic for large commercial and industrial customers. Based on outstanding previous experiences, Ferguson teamed with Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) as the selected contractor to replace the aging water meters throughout the city.
“We wanted to not only address the challenges of today but make an investment in technology to face the difficulties of tomorrow and beyond,” said Amy Kays, service director for the City of Harrodsburg said. “We chose an undisputed leader in successful partnerships with water utilities, Ferguson Waterworks. When it comes to smart water technology to help us meet our goals, our research shows that Master Meter’s smart water technology is a reliable, trusted choice. “This new system allows our service employees to get more done and focus their efforts on more pressing, critical issues.”
Meter systems are an essential part of the water system when coupled with connectivity capabilities that remotely capture data and streamline operations, achieving astounding customer service results, cost savings and labor outputs.
Meter installation is accomplished by zone with postcard notification to customers instructing them how to schedule a meter replacement when the time is most convenient for them. Every installation crew member will be screened daily, wear all appropriate PPE, provide identification and practice social distancing.
“When Master Meter launched our smart water solution portfolio, we realized that it enables every stakeholder in a city – utility management and the end customers – to become a better manager of their relationship with water,” said Ian MacLeod, Master Meter’s vice president of marketing.
Brandon Pontious, business development manager for Ferguson Waterworks added, “We encourage any city or utility considering an upgrade in their water infrastructure to find a solution that not only satisfies their needs of today but one that will continuously return accurate and actionable analytics over the lifespan of the system.”
Thus far on the project, crews have already completed all primary data communications infrastructure installations. The City of Harrodsburg’s objective is to be more operationally efficient while providing new heights in customer service to its citizens.
