PONTOTOC, Miss. (WTVA) -- Pontotoc is installing new water meters in an effort to save local residents and businesses money.
The city is installing 3,200 new water meters over the next three months.
Currently, crews are taking readings, digging up the old water meters, and installing new devices.
"They're [residents] going to know that they're paying exactly for the amount of water they're using and they will also be able to get notified of leaks," said Product Specialist Turner Pilsch. "If they have a leak at their house, the city can notify them potentially making them not have a larger bill."
Some current meters are 50 to 60 years old, according to work crews.
"The [new] meters have a 20 year warranty. All the electronics and efficiencies of the meters will be good for 20 years," Pilsch added.
Claude Hardin Jr. has lived in Pontotoc for over 90 years and supports the move.
"Well, I'm glad to get one if it's going to help the city. I hope the city keeps progressing," Hardin said.
City leaders in Batesville are monitoring the project and may follow Pontotoc's lead.
"A lot of these meters that we have in the ground are old and they don't have correct readings," said Batesville Mayor Jerry Autrey. "They're off you know. So, you have a loss of money. With this new system here, with all new meters installed, you have electronic reading where you have one man that will drive by and it reads the meter."
The city of Pontotoc is funding the entire cost.
