From the Water Department

 

Paty Spain

John Rein

Diane Pagano

Phone Number: 708-453-0319

 

 

 

Aclara Star Meter Reading System

The Water Department utilizes the Star Automatic Meter Reading System to read every meter in the Village two times each day. The Star System is an advanced reading system that delivers comprehensive usage information through a secure, long range wireless network. The Star System Meter Transmission Unit (MTU) is a sealed module that is connected to your water meter. The MTU reads the meter and forwards the meter data on a wireless channel to the Data Collector Units. The Data Collector Units (DCUs) receive, process and store the information received from the MTUs and then forward the information to the Network Control Computer. The Network Control Computer (NCC) collects, validates, processes, and stores the data. The NCC generates customer records, management information, and diagnostic reports which enables our billing and customer service departments to work efficiently in servicing our 5,500 meters. The Star System provides high/low/zero water consumption reports that assist us in locating and correcting problems promptly. Our department makes phone calls, sends letters and does outside service visits to ensure our customers receive the best service possible.

For more information on the Aclara Star System, visit their website at www.aclaratech.com/star 

 

Important Information

• Inform the Water Department at 453-0319 if your property is going to be vacant for more than thirty days. Provide us with a contact phone number so we may contact you if we are alerted to a possible water leak.
• Notify the Water Department if your home is not heated during construction or vacancy. You may want to consider having the water turned off at the Buffalo Box to prevent broken pipes, frozen meters and leaks.
• Advise the Water Department if you are doing construction near the water meter or meter transmission unit. The meter transmission unit is a grey box connected by a wire to your water meter. (see illustration below)

   

You are responsible for a lost or damaged transmission unit. The replacement cost is $200.00.

Water Leak Detection

Water leak detection is one of the easiest ways to reduce water waste and reduce your water bill. Your water meter can help you detect a leak.

In the water meter pictured above, note the little red dial, just to the left of the center of the meter. The red dial only moves when water is going through the meter and out somewhere else in your home. If you are trying to locate a leak, check the following: toilets, faucets, sprinkler systems, furnace humidifiers, hot water tanks, or any other place you use water.

Shut the water supply off to the source you are checking. Then check the water meter to see if the red dial has stopped moving. If it has, the trouble is at that source.

Helpful Hints

Keep the heat on and set no lower than 55 to prevent the pipes/meter from freezing.

• Locate and properly insulate pipes near outer walls, in unheated crawl spaces/attics or by the water meter.
• Open cabinet or closet doors so warm air can reach your pipes and water meter.
• In extreme cold, let a faucet (furthest from your water meter) let the water flow at a slow steady pace so the water pipes have less of a chance of freezing.
• Know where your water shut off valve is located and that it is in working condition.

Care and repair of toilets - www.toiletology.com

Water Saving Tips - www.watersavingtips.org/Tips.htm

MWRD - www.mwrd.org

EPA - www.epa.gov