Sub-Metering Considerations:
When deciding upon whether or not to sub-meter your property, the following items may help you in making a decision. If there is something we have missed, please do not hesitate to contact us. We may be reached via e-mail at info@communitywater.net.
PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION
Info about rising water/sewer prices
Water rates in Athens-Clarke County will be raised in order to pay for upgrades to the water/sewer system. An article in the May 13, 2004 Athens Banner Herald by Allison Floyd titled “Upgrades likely to boost water rates” states that “if the utility can borrow money through the State Revolving Fund – a loan that utilities don’t have to repay until the construction is complete – the water and sewer rate will increase by about $9 a month over the next five years. If not, the rate will jump $11 a month.”
Community Water Management installs Master Meter® meters. These are the same meters used by many municipalities.
When possible, CWM will place meters in the ground In the outside of the units. In order to do this, lines must be located running along the outside of the building. Occasionally, when water lines run beneath the building, meters are placed in a crawl space or even inside the residential unit.
Usually, the owner’s investment is $100 per unit. This may vary if there is no single source water line. Some additional plumbing may be required to single source the incoming water line to the apartment unit in older buildings
Under our program, the property owner will no longer pay for any water other than irrigation for the lawn and water for swimming pools. This is not a reimbursement program. CWM will put the water bill for the property in our name and assume all liability for payment to the municipality. If residents fail to pay their bills, the property owner does not lose money as with reimbursement services.
PROPERTY OWNER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know you won’t raise the water rates?
Community Water Management sets our rates based on those of the local municipality.
What is the cost to me?
The cost to the property owner is usually $100 per unit. After this minimal financial outlay, the property owner will continue to save money each month for the life of the property.
SUB-METERING PROS and CONS
* Water Conservation: We have seen a total property reduction in water usage of 30% to 70% on each property that has been sub-metered to date.
* Lowered Association Dues or Increased Building of Deferred Maintenance Account: The condominium association is able to reduce the operating budget by removing the water/sewer expense. This allows the association to put this money into the deferred maintenance account, increase spending on property maintenance and improvements, or decrease association dues.
* Responsibility: Payment becomes the responsibility of the person who uses the water. The condominium association has no further liability for any water usage other than pool and irrigation. In addition, if a unit is vacant, water can be disconnected to ensure no loss of water through leaks.
* Earlier Leak Detection: If there is an undetected leak in a unit, it will produce a high bill. This prompts residents to report leaks and have them repaired. Also, each water meter will have its own leak indicator.
* Increased Convenience: If there is a leak in a unit that is causing property damage, the water can be turned off at the meter. This will affect only the unit that has the leak. Currently, water to the entire property or building has to be turned off when there is a problem in a single unit.
* There will be a one-time interruption in water service during meter installation. CWM will install meters during summer months when the least number of people are in residence.
* Some damage to landscaping during meter installation is unavoidable. We try to keep damage to a minimum, and we will coordinate with your landscaper.
* Tenants and owners must deal with another utility bill. Just like any other utility, this is part of personal responsibility.
* Tenants must pay their water bill on top of rent. At first glance, this may make it look unattractive to prospective tenants. However, all properties built since 1991 have individual water meters. Meters installed on your units simply put them on an equal basis with other properties. Tenants may notice water is not included, but give it very little weight when making their decision to rent since it is the same as other units. The unit is the selling point.
For more information on submetering, e-mail april@communitywater.net
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