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The Town of Drakes Branch is in the process of upgrading its outdated water meters to new smart meters.

According to Town Mayor Phillip Jackson, the new smart meters will read and transmit to a collector water usage electronically, eliminating the need for a town employee to spend days going from meter to meter.

“The new meters have Acoustic Leak Detection that is so accurate it can read the water flow of one tablespoon,” Jackson said. “This will be a benefit not only to the town but also to a customer who can be notified of a water leak, such as a stuck toilet valve or leaking faucet, that could save hundreds of dollars on a water bill.”

According to a release from the town, Fortiline Waterworks will install the new smart meters and town officials will notify homeowners as installers are on their street or area.

“The installation may mean a slight service interruption to customers of about thirty minutes on average,” Jackson said.

According to town officials, the installation procedure will be to locate and verify the meter and address. If the meter shows consumption installers will wait three minutes and recheck if it stops then a replacement will occur; if not, the homeowner will be contacted and requested permission to interrupt service.

The installer will install the new meter or make a note to return later. The new meter service will be restored and checked for leaks and other anomalies.

Citizens are reminded that after installing the meter, homeowners should run the water in the tub using cold water until any discoloration and air are gone.

For additional questions or concerns contact the Drakes Branch Town Office at 4801 Drakes Main or call Mayor Jackson at 434-568-3028.