DRAFT – North Beach Utilities Acquisition
Water Meter Replacement Project
Overview
The St. Johns County Utility Department will begin work in May to replace or upgrade approximately 1,400 water meters in the North Beach service area. The replacement program includes the latest technology, which will allow for automatic meter reading, increase reading accuracy, reduce traffic in residential areas, and result in more efficient and effective water service operations—ultimately saving St. Johns County water customers money.
Improvements
Each new water meter will transmit a signal to strategically located towers that collect the data and relay it to Utility Department software. With this automated reading feature, Utility Department staff can focus more on customer service, operations and maintenance, rather than manual meter reading. This also reduces the need for staff to be on the road, making overall operations safer for the community.
Schedule
The meter replacement program is scheduled to begin the week of May 19 and continue through July 2025. Commercial account holders will be contacted in advance to schedule their replacement. Meter replacements will occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., unless otherwise requested by a commercial customer. Residents can expect to see workers in the area wearing yellow or lime green safety vests with the logo “AMI – Advanced Metering Installations.”
Residential meter replacement is expected to take approximately 30 minutes per location. Water service will be temporarily interrupted during installation.
Special Needs Residents or Businesses
Residents or businesses with special medical needs that require uninterrupted water service are asked to contact the Utility Department at 904-209-2700 and select Option 4, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact Us
For more information about the water meter replacement program, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below or call 904-209-2700 and select Option 4, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FAQs
Why Is the Water Meter Being Replaced?
Water meters and their registers often lose accuracy as they age, so they must be replaced every 15 to 20 years. The new system will include automatic meter reading technology that will save time, prevent recording errors, reduce wear and tear on vehicles and roads, minimize the need for the County to go on private property, and potentially allow water line leaks to be identified earlier through data analysis.
What Will It Cost Me?
Nothing. The St. Johns County Utility Department is paying for the entire project to replace the old meters and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the meter reading and billing process.
Does This Mean My Bill Will Increase?
Not necessarily. In some cases, your bill may increase if your current meter is inaccurate and underreporting usage. While most residents are already paying for the accurate amount of water they are using, the new system will ensure fairness and equity in billing for all residents and businesses going forward.
What if I Need Constant Water for Medical Equipment?
Anyone with special medical needs should contact the St. Johns County Utility Department Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 904-209-2700 and select Option 4.
When Will This Work Be Performed?
The work will start in May 2025 and continue through July 2025. In most cases, the transition will be completely seamless and will not affect residents. The work will be performed during normal working hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise requested by commercial customers.
Who Is Doing the Work?
The meter replacement and installation work is being done by Advanced Metering Installations (AMI).
When Exactly Will My Meter Be Replaced?
The AMI team will average about 40 meters per day throughout the project; however, the number of meters installed each day will depend greatly on site conditions and meter size. Because of this, it is difficult to project exactly where the team will be each week.
How Will This Affect My Service?
AMI workers will come to your residence to replace your meter. Before beginning the replacement, the existing water meter will be checked to verify that no water is being used. If no water is in use, the meter will be replaced with a service interruption of approximately 30 minutes. If water is in use at the time of replacement, a team member will knock on your door to inform you of the process and temporary interruption. Once the meter is replaced, you will continue to receive the same great service — or better — from the St. Johns County Utility Department.
How Long Will This Take?
In most cases, for residential meters, the process takes about 30 minutes or less.
How Do I Know Who Is Authorized To Do the Work?
AMI team members will wear yellow or lime green safety vests with the logo “AMI – Advanced Metering Installations.” Workers will also carry photo identification from AMI.
Do They Need To Come Inside My House?
No. All meters are located outside of the homes.
I Own a Business. Who Do I Call To Schedule an Appointment?
An AMI team member will contact you to coordinate a date and time for your meter replacement.
What if I’m on Vacation or Not Available That Day?
In most cases, it will not be necessary for anyone to be home. The majority of the work will take place near the street in the meter box, which is usually located in the utility right of way.
If I’m Not Home, How Will I Know When My Meter Has Been Replaced?
Every meter in the North Beach service area will be replaced or retrofitted. The St. Johns County Utility Department will track installations through daily reports. Unless there is a problem, customers will not notice anything different or be affected in any way by the new meter.
Why Do I Not Have Water After the Meter Was Replaced?
In rare instances, the main cutoff valve to your home may be left off. This happens when the AMI team is unable to pressurize your home following installation. This is typically caused by an open indoor spigot during the installation. To avoid overflowing sinks or bathtubs, the water is left off. In these cases, a door hanger will be left with a phone number to call to have your water turned back on.
Is There Any Special Care or Maintenance That I Need To Do to the New Meter?
No. The meter does not require any maintenance by the homeowner. As before, the County will handle all maintenance. However, you should avoid damaging the meter box with lawn mowers or vehicles. The antenna for the new technology is flat-mounted and no more noticeable than the current system.
I Still Have Questions. Where Can I Get Additional Information?
The County is working with the AMI team to answer questions as thoroughly as possible. For additional information, contact the St. Johns County Utility Department Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 904-209-2700 and select Option 4.
Informational Resources
Overview
The St. Johns County Utility Department has purchased North Beach Utilities Inc. and acquired its 1,400 customers for water and wastewater services. The acquisition process began in 2022 and included an immediate $4 million investment into infrastructure. This will provide short and long-term benefits by strengthening the condition of existing utility infrastructure and increasing its level of service to its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will be my new Utility provider?
St. Johns County Utility Department will take over water and wastewater services.
What’s my new rate?
As part of the North Beach Utility, Inc. Purchase, St. Johns County Utilities Department will maintain the existing NBU water and wastewater rates, fees and charges. However, SJCUD anticipates holding a public rate hearing in January 2025 to recommend a transition to existing SJCUD FY2025 rates. The rate transition was part of the planning process in evaluating the Purchase of the Utility and was originally presented to the Board of County Commissioners earlier this year.
How do I pay my new bill?
St. Johns County Utility Department has many convenient fee-free ways to pay.
Why is my provider changing?
St. Johns County has purchased North Beach Utilities and its customer base. All North Beach customers will now benefit from the high level of service St. Johns County Utility provides to over 61,000 customers.
How do I get in contact with the Utility Department?
There are many ways including the SJC Connect App, emailing utilbill@sjcfl.us or by calling 904-209-2700.
What are the benefits?
- St. Johns County provides 24/7 customer service.
- The Board of County Commissioners has committed to spend $4 million in infrastructure improvements which will increase the level of service to the customers.
- The County provides economies of scale to maintain competitive rates in the region. The County provides long-term financial stability and currently has a AAA bond rating.
When will I receive my first bill?
The first bill will be sent out December 5th. The first bill will be mailed and then customers will have the option to sign up for electronic billing.
