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You may have heard the news already: by the end of 2020, all homeowners in Long Beach Township will be required by the state of New Jersey to install a water meter on their homes. This could add up to more than 10,000 new water meter installations on LBI over the next 15 months.

Find out what the new water meter installation requirements could mean for LBI residents.

Water Meter Installation Notice for Long Beach Township

More details will be provided this summer, but this is what we know so far from the Township of Long Beach:

• In 2019 and 2020, residences will continue to be billed for water consumption under the current system; i.e. number of kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, fixtures, etc.
• During the latter part of 2019, owners or their plumbers will be able to pick up their meter at a designated Township location.
• All meters must be installed by July 1, 2020.
• The cost of the meter and the installation will be the responsibility of the homeowner.
• The best location for the meter as well as the meter size should be discussed with a plumber prior to picking up the meter.
• If you currently have a meter, a conversion kit will also be available so that your meter is compatible with meter reading equipment.
• Effective January 1, 2021, residences will be billed based on a basic fee and water meter reading.
• All meters will be read remotely.

Installing a Water Meter Can Help You Save

Drip, drip, drip…on average in the US, direct indoor water use (water from the tap, toilet, dishwasher, etc.) adds up to about 138 gallons per household per day, or 60 gallons per person per day. The good news is that installing a water meter should make you more aware of the water you’re using.

Water metering is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce water consumption and save money on water bills. Rather than relying on estimates, a water meter measures the exact amount of water used in your home. Fitted to your incoming water supply pipe, the meter records and displays exactly how much you use. Your water company then uses that reading to calculate charges for your water and sewerage services.

When it comes to water conservation, small changes can add up to make a big impact. It may surprise you how easy it can be. Discover a few simple tips to help you shrink your water footprint and help you save.

1. Recent studies of how Americans use water throughout their homes show that, for most people, indoor water use is the highest in the bathroom, followed by the laundry room. For example, turn off the faucet every time you brush your teeth. Leaving the water running can waste up to 1.5 gallons of water every minute! Challenge your family to shorten shower time. If everyone in your house cut their shower time by just one minute, it could save a family of four over 47,550 gallons per year.
2. Of all the residential water we use in the US, on average we use about a quarter outdoors. Water your lawn early morning or late evening to reduce water loss from evaporation, turn off your sprinklers when rain is expected and use a pool cover to reduce evaporation (and energy if your pool is heated).
3. Switching to water-saving fixtures and appliances can reduce indoor water use by twenty percent. The Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR label has a thorough list of energy- and water-saving appliances, like hot water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines. Also, look for the EPA WaterSense label when you replace faucets and showerheads.
4. Stop the drips. While you may have gotten used to the sound of dripping water, it’s extremely wasteful. Whether from a showerhead, toilet, appliance or faucet, fixing just one leak, can save you close to 20 gallons of water a day.

Air Tech Water Meter Installation and Replacement

For help with water meter installation or other sustainable plumbing efficiency practices for your LBI home or small business, contact one of our licensed professionals at 609-494-1400.

Our Ship Bottom office is conveniently located on the Causeway, allowing for quick response time to customers’ needs throughout the Long Beach Island and Ocean County, NJ areas. Check out our service area.