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Meter Replacement Program
Western Water is working hard to finish a three-phase water meter replacement program. With our customers' needs in mind, we secured $700,000 of grant funding to help offset most of the project costs, saving you money.
Approximately 1,700 water meters throughout Western Water’s Riverside and Murrieta service areas will be upgraded with “smart” meters. Smart meters use automated metering infrastructure (AMI) to read and monitor water usage, providing Western Water and its customers access to near real-time data through our new water use portal (coming soon). With access to their water usage data, customers are empowered with tools to identify leaks, maximize water use efficiency, and make informed decisions about their water use.
What to expect during your water meter replacement
Replacing the water meter is a simple process for Western Water. Customers will be notified up to two weeks before installation. A door hanger will be placed at your home with the approximate date of your meter upgrade. On the day of replacement, you do not need to be home as long as we can access your water meter. This means that your water meter must be clear of heavy debris and cannot be located behind a locked gate or under a parked car. The replacement process will be quick. It should take about 15 minutes, and a temporary water service interruption will occur. In most cases, homeowners do not even notice that we’ve changed the meter because it happens very efficiently.
If the water meter cannot be replaced that day, our contractor will leave a door hanger noting the reason and how to connect with us to reschedule the replacement.
For assistance or more project information, contact Western Water's Customer Service team Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 951.571.7104 or email us.
Frequently Asked Questions
An accurate meter helps you understand your household’s water needs, identify leaks quickly, and pinpoint opportunities to increase efficient water use. Smart meters will also provide customers with access to near real-time water usage data through Western Water's new water use portal (coming soon).
With access to their water usage data, customers are empowered with tools to identify leaks, maximize water use efficiency, and make informed decisions about their water use. Sign up with My Western Water Portal today!
Western Water has contracted with Golden Meter Services to replace our meters. The contractor will wear uniforms and carry a photo identification badge. They will arrive in a Western Water-branded vehicle during normal business hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Under no circumstances will the installer need to enter your home. If an installer cannot show you an identification badge, or if you are concerned about that person’s identification, call our Customer Service team at 951.571.7104.
Your new water meter has been tested and certified by the manufacturer to be accurate. It can measure your usage down to 1/100th of a gallon, which can assist in identifying leaks early.
The new meter will now provide a far more accurate reading of your water usage, so you may notice a change in how your water use is reflected on your billing statement. Rest assured, Western Water is here to help you read your billing statement, understand water usage, and implement water use efficiency efforts.
If Western Water recently replaced your meter, you may notice that your historical water usage data is no longer on your billing statement. Western Water's billing statements only list data from the current meter’s measure of water delivered to your home. It will take a complete 12-month cycle before you can see the annual comparison of water usage data.
Rest assured, Western Water has your water usage history on file. If you want to review your previous year's water usage data compared to your current billing cycle, you can:
- Register for Western Water’s online bill pay system to view 24 months of your water usage data.
- Contact our Customer Service team at 951.571.7104 or email us.