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NEWS RELEASE

November 19, 2009

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County to Begin 8-Year Replacement Program to Update Aging Water Meter System

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County is getting ready to begin a long-term program to replace the radio transmitters on residential water meters. These transmitters transmit water usage data used to compute water bills. Current units are powered by batteries with a 10-year life span; the replacement units are expected to last 20 years.

While replacement of the oldest radio transmitters will begin immediately, others will not be scheduled until the batteries are due to wear out. Replacement of the entire residential system will take approximately eight years.

The Bureau of Utilities will contact residents and arrange for property access if the water meters are located inside the residence; the entire process should take no longer than 20 minutes and should not require service interruption. If water meters are located outdoors and property access is not required, no notification will be necessary.

As always, any county employee entering a home should always display official county government identification and arrive in a clearly marked county vehicle. For more information or if you have questions, visit the Bureau of Utilities website at www.howardcountymd.gov/DPW/u_meters.htm or call 410-313-4900.