Sewer meter suggestions?

[Baywash]

I have done a search here on the forum and did not find what I was looking for. I installed a reclaim system one year ago with good results. Now I am talking with the city about allowing me to pay for only what I discharge. Before I go in front of the council, I would like to have my ducks in a row. I am hoping someone on here can direct me to a good sewer meter to install and use as ammo in pleading my case. Thank you in advance.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I have done a search here on the forum and did not find what I was looking for. I installed a reclaim system one year ago with good results. Now I am talking with the city about allowing me to pay for only what I discharge. Before I go in front of the council, I would like to have my ducks in a row. I am hoping someone on here can direct me to a good sewer meter to install and use as ammo in pleading my case. Thank you in advance.

I would suggest that you not waste a lot of time on this. If the ordinance is written so that sewer charges are a % of water, you are a victim of widespread fraud by Public officials who call a charge something it is not.

To effect a change you would have to expose their guilt and they would have to change the ordinance which might affect their ultimate goal which is to raise revenue as opposed to the purported goal which is to charge a user fee.

 

[Baywash]

I would suggest that you not waste a lot of time on this. If the ordinance is written so that sewer charges are a % of water, you are a victim of widespread fraud by Public officials who call a charge something it is not.

To effect a change you would have to expose their guilt and they would have to change the ordinance which might affect their ultimate goal which is to raise revenue as opposed to the purported goal which is to charge a user fee.

With all due respect, I am not asking for opinions on what people think the city may or may not do. I am asking for a suggestion on which meter people have used and has been approved by other cities for the purpose of billing sewer fees. I would not be inquiring for this information if I did not think there was a possibility of my city adapting seperate charges. Thanks

 

[robert roman]

Unlike incoming fresh water that is contained within a vessel (pipe) flowing full and under high pressure, carwash discharge/waste water flows like water in a creek.

The most accurate way to determine discharge flow in this circumstance is with a propeller flow meter and flume. If using these tools is not practical, then you will have to estimate flow with a stopwatch, a ruler and a bucket.

People who routinely measure water with these methods are utility engineers and water quality technicians.

So, I would suggest you contact your local or state agencies for advice on what devices and methods are approved or suggested for your purpose.

 

[Randy]

Take a look at this meter http://www.city-meter.com/ there are a number of meters that are used. The battle is going to convince the city to allow you to install a meter. They don’t want to give up the revenue they receive from the sewer fees.

One of the tunnels here convinced the city to let them install a sewer meter on a 6 month trial. After 6 months the city realized that they were losing a lot of revenue and ended the project. Good Luck.

 

[Baywash]

Take a look at this meter http://www.city-meter.com/ there are a number of meters that are used.

Thanks Randy. Do you have any experience with that one. I did find that one earlier. I'm going to call the company tomorrow for more information.

 

[Ric]

Take a look at this meter http://www.city-meter.com/ there are a number of meters that are used.

Thanks Randy. Do you have any experience with that one. I did find that one earlier. I'm going to call the company tomorrow for more information.

Let us know what you find out and keep us posted. I am interested in doing the same.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Let us know what you find out and keep us posted. I am interested in doing the same.

As am I...

 

[robert roman]

Volume equals cross-sectional area multiplied by velocity

Cu ft/sec = ft squared times cu ft/sec

So, city meter arrives at a volume using the same math as manual methods.

The meter housing forms a flume and gravity causes water drop to measure via battery powered sensors.

So, what is at issue is not method or technology of discharge metering but rather code and standards.

For example, Jefferson, Missouri, has a low usage code.

Use more than 1,500 cubic feet of water per month, furnish city with evidence of actual discharge in the preceding year less than 90% water used and city may adjust sewer service charge for the next year by;

1) Computing same either on the basis of water discharged into the public sewers or

2) Flat rate rather than on the amount of water consumption

Method/technology of metering discharge is subject to city approval.

At least a 90% reduction is a tall task for carwash.

 

[Baywash]

I spoke with city works director and a councilman today and they appear to have no issues with the meter installation and billing. Waiting for a call back from City-meter.com.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Depending on how the ordinance reads I would try to get it in writing from the city, as many high ups as possible that if you install it, your bills will be based on the meter.

What someone says is not worht the paper it's not written on.