Show All Answers

1. How often will I receive a water bill?

There will be a monthly billing period.

2. Where is my water meter?

Your water meter may be located in the basement, in the utility room, in the crawl space, or usually along the front wall of your house.

3. How does the new meter reading system work?

The Village of Winfield uses an automated meter reading system. Meter readings are transmitted automatically by radio signals from your water meter to collector sites throughout town. This information is then transferred to Village computers with cellular phone technology.

4. How do you know that my reading is accurate?

These state of the art water meters have electronic registers, which verifies the meter reading three times before it is sent to the transmitting unit. This reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.

5. How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?

Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

6. How long will meter installation take?

Under normal circumstances, the installation will take 15 to 30 minutes. The water will have to be turned off for about 5 to 10 minutes until the meter is changed. Please be advised that there may be some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water line. This will clear up after running your water for a few moments. You may hear some noise as the air exits spigots and fixtures. This is normal.

7. What if we have a leak after a meter is installed?

You may call the Water Department at (630) 933-7100 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00AM-3:30PM) or after business hours at DuComm non-emergency at (630) 668-0911. The Water Department will make every effort to dispatch service personnel as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the leak and to take appropriate action.

8. How do I know if higher usage may be a result of a leak in my plumbing system?

Your water meter may detect small leaks. Check faucets for small drips. To check your toilet tank for small leaks in the toilet bowl, place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the water in the bowl changes to the color of dye used in the tank, you have a leak. Seek assistance from your local home improvement center or plumbing professional to repair.

9. Is there a hazard from the radio transmitter in my home?

No, the radio signal is only on when the meter reading takes place. This is less than a few seconds per month. The power level is far below that where any risk occurs.

10. Is there anything hazardous inside the equipment?

No, only ordinary electronics and batteries are inside the equipment.

11. Will the radio interfere with my television, cordless phone or pacemaker?

No, the radio transmissions occur on a licensed frequency very different from those used by television signals, cordless phones and pacemakers. In addition, the transmissions last less than a few seconds each month. You will never see interference with your television reception.

12. Is this system monitoring my phone calls?

No, this equipment does not monitor phone calls.

13. Is this system monitoring how many people are in my house?

No, this equipment does not monitor how many people are in the house.

14. What happens if the wires are cut?

If the wires between the water meter and the reading unit are cut, the reading unit will signal that a wire cut has occurred. The Department of Public Works will respond to correct the problem. If the service person determines that a deliberate cut occurred, the owner of the property will be billed for the costs to repair.