Cheswick begins water meter replacement project

A recent door hanger and postcard to Cheswick residents for water meter replacements isn’t a scam. It’s a preview of a two-year project for more than 900 new water meters in the borough.

Cheswick contracted with Newman Plumbing of Cranberry to replace every water meter in the borough, said council President Brad Yaksich. Newman Plumbing was the lowest bidder for installation at $120,300.

The meter replacements are mandatory.

Newman Plumbing is in the process of contacting residents to schedule replacements. Crews started work last week and will be replacing meters in increments of 300 per year.

Yaksich said the water meter replacement is “overdue.” He said the new meters are made in Alabama by Neptune Technology Group and distributed through EAP Industries.

“Most meters are past their prime,” Yaksich said. “This replacement should be 30 years plus on meters. It’s something we had to do.”

The replacement adds telemeter capability, which allows for remote reading through the use of a smartphone or tablet.

“Our public works crews can drive past a home, or be in the area, and pull up readings,” Yaksich said.

The new meters also will help control water usage and quickly identify leaks, Yaksich said. Cheswick purchases its water in bulk from the Harmar Water Authority.

Yaksich said Cheswick has purchased 312 meters at $312 per meter. An additional $216 was spent on new meter gaskets, for a total of $97,560.

The borough will need to purchase 600 additional meters to replace the rest of the meters in use in the borough, Yaksich said. Those meters will cost $187,200 with another $432 for gaskets.

The project’s total cost, including installation, is about $405,000.

“The project is paid for through our existing water reserve fund. There will be no additional cost to Cheswick residents,” Yaksich said. “We hope to have this project completed by the end of 2025.”