New Water District Project

The Manhasset-Lakeville Water District has sent correspondence to each Manhasset homeowner regarding a new infrastructure program to automate meter readings. The program will replace outdated water meters with new meters that have an automated meter reading system that are read by radio frequency (RF) waves. This program will begin this year (no specific start date was indicated) and take approximately two years to complete.
Radio frequency waves are transmitted by antennae. According to the district, the strength of the reading wave would be similar in strength to TVs, garage door openers or radios. The new automated reading system would provide a reading directly to the water district. Currently, the existing system requires someone to come to take a reading.
Outdated meters will be replaced entirely. Newer meters with existing touch pad systems would be fit with radios that would enable the system to transmit water readings via radio frequency. Most existing water meters are located within proximity of the front of the property below ground level in a pit or in the resident’s basement.
Typically radio frequencies require antennae to transmit signals. Residents have not been informed of what or where the new antennae would be located in the correspondence. In October of 2013, Columbus Day weekend, a large antennae was erected on the property of the Water District land located in Munsey Park. At the time, residents responded negatively to the tower being erected and consequently the structure was removed. The current water tower is being replaced by a new larger water tower. At the time, the Water District Commissioner was Donald O’Brien. He will seeking re-election to the Water District this Fall. There are three District Board of Water Commissioners including O’Brien, newly elected Mark Sauvigne and Brian Morris.
The Manhasset Water District has outsourced the project to SAKS Metering Company. The SAKS company, which was restructured in 2012 according to their company website, has performed meter refitting at numerous venues in Queens including John F Kennedy and LaGuardia airports and New York City Parks and Recreation as well as residential home in Staten Island.
According to the information provided by the water district, all SAKS personnel will be knocking on doors if they need access to the customers home. This is not the case for most meters only the outdated meters.
The installers will have completed training and background checks and will have identification, wear identifiable uniforms and drive marked vehicles. Whether water district uniforms or SAKS uniforms was not clear from the correspondence issued.
Questions regarding the water meter infrastructure project, your meter needs to be replaced or other issues can be directed to the Manhasset Lakeville Water District at 516-466-4416 or SAKS Metering Company at 516-453-2922.