METER UPGRADE PROJECT

EAWA is embarking on a series of long-term planning initiatives and improvements to the Elizabethtown area’s water system. These efforts overall are meant to ensure the sustainability of our water system. Planned improvements include an upgrade of our metering infrastructure as well as upgrades of the water filtration capabilities, improvements and maintenace of our tanks, water main replacements, and improvements to our groundwater wells.

In March 2025, EAWA settled on a $20,000,000 low-interest loan with the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for water main replacement projects and will be using capital funds for the meter replacement project. In the coming months, we will replace outdated Positive Displacement Meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters and software.

What does this mean for residents and property owners?

This upgrade will save money over time, enhance the delivery services and improve the customer experience. We will be able to alert you to sudden spikes in water use that may indicate a water leak, affording you an opportunity to fix it before incurring hefty water and sewer bills.

What can you expect next?

Appointments to upgrade water meters will begin the week of April 1, 2025. Please be on the lookout for a letter from EAWA with instructions on how to schedule your appointment with KENTREL, INC. The letter will include instructions for how to schedule your appointment, what to expect, and who to contact with questions about the process.

Haven’t received a letter to schedule your meter appointment but you know someone who has? No worries; you are not missing anything. Water meter changes are happening in phases. You will receive a letter when it is your turn to schedule. The letter will tell you who to contact and the team at KENTREL can answer your questions about the process and what to expect.

KENTREL employees that come to replace your meter are required to have personal identification and vehicles identified with the company’s name.

What is the process for replacing my meter?

Because this device is located inside your property, we must have access to perform the required meter change. There is no cost to you to have this work performed. KENTREL INC., our sub-contractor, will perform this service. Should you receive a letter from EAWA regarding the upgrade, please call 800-437-9200 between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday and Saturday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. or visit their website kentrel.com to schedule an appointment. KENTREL INC. will work with you to schedule a mutually convenient time to perform the work.

To prepare for the meter change we ask that you have cleared access to the water meter. You should also check your water service isolation valve to ensure it is in working order. During the process of the meter change the water service will be interrupted for a few minutes. The installation should take approximately 20 – 30 minutes.

All KENTREL INC. employees will be in uniform and have prominently displayed identification cards bearing their name, photograph, and our logo. For your safety, if someone is claiming to represent KENTREL INC. and requests access to your property but cannot show you the proper identification, do not let that person into your home. EAWA and KENTREL look forward to your call and thank you for your cooperation and prompt response. We are obligated to let you know that failure to comply with this state regulation can result in having your water service discontinued. A reconnection fee may apply if service disconnection becomes necessary.

Following the inspection of the plumbing and replacement of the meter, KENTREL INC. may advise you of the necessary plumbing modifications needed to bring your plumbing into compliance with state regulations, plumbing codes and local ordinances. These modifications are the responsibility of the property owner and will not be performed or paid for by EAWA. A typical example of this is lack of a backflow prevention valve that is required. KENTREL INC. may discuss performing these modifications with the property owner. This is subject to a separate agreement between the property owner and KENTREL INC. The property owner may always select their own plumber to perform the necessary work. EAWA will not be involved.

WATER METER REPLACEMENT/UPGRADE IS MANDATORY

This project is intended to enhance the delivery of services and improve the customer experience. It is part of the EAWA’s ongoing work to ensure the sustainability of our water systems as a locally operated water utility.

Questions or concerns?