County water customers on the south side of the Pamlico River are in line to have their water meters replaced in the county-wide update of the water metering system.

The AMI, or Advanced Metering Infrastructure, project started in February on the north side of the Pamlico. According to Beaufort County Public Works Director Christina Smith, the update is 68% complete, as more than 9,000 meters on the north side have been exchanged. The team is now transitioning to communities on the south side of the river, and will start replacing meters in the Spring Creek area, east of Aurora, first.

Replacement entails a brief disruption of service — approximately 10 minutes. Once complete, replacement crews leave door hanger to notify residents the work has been done. The hanger states that minor water discoloration or air within the lines may occur immediately after installation, and advises running the bath tub cold water faucet to resolved the issue.

The new system allows for automated meter reading, which the county says will improve customer service and increase billing accuracy.

So far, that’s proven true, according to Beaufort County Manager Brian Alligood.

“Everything I’ve seen — we’re very satisfied,” Alligood said. “It has been a very positive experience for us, so we’re pleased.”

Smith said that of the more than 9,000 meters replaced, only 40 calls have been made to the hotline number provided by the installer, Ferguson Waterworks, Inc., indicating few issues with the transition.

The county partnered with Ferguson Waterworks, Inc. and MeterSYS for the replacement of the county’s aging meters. The project’s cost is $4,712,588, $212,588 of which is sales tax refunded by the state and the remaining $4.5 million financed.

Initially expected to be a two-year project, the work is now projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020, according to Smith.

“They brought some additional crews in to go ahead and knock it out,” Alligood said.

For more information, contact 1-877-477-7421 or visit the county’s website at www.co.beaufort.nc.us.