VALDOSTA, Ga. – During last Thursday’s regular session Valdosta City Council meeting, a $9.5 million project to replace the 25,000 water meters in the city was approved. Councilman Ben Norton was the only member to vote in opposition.

According to City of Valdosta Director of Utilities Darryl Muse, the current meters are in the 10-15 year replacement period. The new meters would be purchased from IBT Group. Muse explained that improvements would include analytics capable of detecting pipe leaks and bursts, as well as allow for residents to create custom alerts, and have a remote shutoff in case of a leak or burst.

VDT reported that Muse stated the goal of the new system is to have 98.5% of the water meters checked remotely, which would make the need for meter reading unnecessary. However, according to City of Valdosta Public Information Officer Ashlyn Becton, those loss of positions will be absorbed into other necessary positions and no one should lose their jobs.

The project will be paid for with SPLOST VII money, but residents should see an increase in their monthly water bills.