City leaders in Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texas have approved an $18 million upgrade for Texarkana Water Utilities (TWU) that will modernize the way water meters are read.
The upgrade involves installing an Itron cellular-based meter system, replacing over 26,000 meters with new ultrasonic flow meters. These new meters are more accurate and allow customers to monitor their water usage throughout the month, helping them make adjustments if needed.
The system will also enhance maintenance capabilities for TWU. “We have two leak-detection systems,” explained TWU Assistant Director Kenny Icenhower. “One will be mounted on pipes to detect leaks, and the other will use satellite technology to find leaks in hard-to-reach areas.”
The upgrade is expected to increase revenue by over $500,000 annually, thanks to the new meters’ accuracy. Despite the improvements, TWU Director Gary Smith assured that water rates will not be affected. Installation of the new meters is set to begin within 30 days.
