Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority

Second Water Meter Program

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Click on links below for instructions on the
card reading pilot program

Second Meter Program Card Instructions.pdf
Second Meter Example.pdf

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SECOND METER PROGRAM BACKROUND

The Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority offers a cost saving option to those customers who use substantial amounts of water outside the home. Since the water used outside the home is not conveyed by the Authority’s collection system and does not receive treatment by the Authority’s treatment system,  monitoring and measuring this outside usage can provide a savings to the customer in the form of an annual credit.

The Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority allows it’s customers to install a “second water meter” to record outside-the-home usage. In accordance with the Authority’s Second Meter Program, a qualifying meter must meet several conditions in order to be eligible for participation.

 Effective January 1, 2003, the MUA adopted a revision to Schedule 6 of its Schedule of Rates to provide a fee of $36.00 per annual reading of the second water meters for non-discharged water consumption.  This is a yearly program in which you will be issued a credit to your sewer account and charged the annual fee.

 The meter reading frequency and adjustments for residential customers is once per year during the months of September, October and November.  This would then provide for a reading after the high non-discharge consumption months of summer.

Those who choose to participate in the second water meter program must apply to the MUA for approval.  Any meters installed prior to approval will only be entered into the program upon inspection and approval by the MUA.

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

 Installation and maintenance of the second meter is the sole responsibility of the customer.  The MUA requires that there be unimpeded access to the meter.  The MUA employees will not be responsible for moving any items that may be in the way of the meter.  Credit is based upon the readings on the meters. If the meters are changed, the MUA must verify readings or no credit can or will be given.

 The MHMUA rules and regulations require residents desiring to participate in the second meter program to supply a properly installed meter. Meters must be properly installed in order to be read by Authority personnel.

• Meter access must not be blocked by boxes, furniture or other personal items.  A clear path must be provided to the meter.
• There must be at least three (3) feet of clear space in front of the meter dial.  MUA personnel will not remove panels or wall sections.
• Meters cannot be installed where the dial is inverted or view of the dial is obstructed.
• Meters cannot be installed in crawl spaces.  Where second meters are installed in underground pits the meter must not be more than 24 inches below grade.  Pit covers should be free of debris and must not be covered by landscaping.
• Meters must not be installed within 3 feet of an open flame, exposed hot water piping, or exposed electrical connections.
• Meters must be installed between three (3) and five (5) feet above the floor.  MUA employees will not climb ladders to read meters.

Please check the location of your meter.  If your meter installation does not comply with the requirements listed,  have the meter corrected prior to the next scheduled reading period. Meters are typically read annually between September and November.  MUA employees are ultimately responsible for their own safety on the job. Any meter improperly installed must be corrected before participation in the second meter program.

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE

Failure to properly  winterize an irrigation system can damage a second meter resulting in meter failure or inaccurate recording of water usage.

• Compressed air is often used to force water from the irrigation system to prevent freezing. Excessive air pressure or flow can damage a meter’s internal components.

• Meters that are removed for the winter to prevent freezing must be reinstalled, re-sealed and an initial reading taken in order to qualify for an annual credit.

INSPECTIONS & RECORDING

If outside water consumption  is less than 10,000 gallons per year there is no advantage for a second meter. The credit received for less than 10,000 gallons of outside water usage would not offset the inspection fee charged for reading the meter annually.

Prior to installing a second meter you must:

• Obtain an application from the MUA as well as a local plumbing permit.

• Purchase and install 2nd meter.

• Have the meter inspected by the township plumbing inspector.

• Call (609)261-8279 for an  inspection and initial reading by the MUA. REMINDER: Credit is based upon the initial reading by the MUA. Credit will not be given for any use prior to the initial inspection.

During an initial inspection, baseline information on the meter manufacturer, size, serial number and initial reading (not all meters start at zero) will be obtained.

The MUA will also check to ensure that the meter is installed after (downstream of) the city water meter.

If either the city water or second water meter is to be removed for repair or replaced for any reason, contact the MUA prior to removal for a final reading on the old meter and a baseline reading for new meter.

Meters are sealed by the Authority’s Technician during the initial reading. Removal of an Authority seal will result in ineligibility for credit and suspension from the program.

In order to re-enter the program another initial reading must be taken and the meter re-sealed.

A letter will be sent in early August to remind the customers of the upcoming reading season.

If at any time the MUA arrives at a scheduled appointment and  access is not available to the meter there will be a $36.00 charge for the missed appointment.

When performing annual door to door readings, the customer will only be charged the $36.00 fee if the meter is actually read by the Authority’s Technician.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Second Meter Program information and appointment scheduling: 609-261-8279
Billing Office: 609-267-0015