Galveston County WCID #1 is replacing approximately 8,500 water meters and meter boxes throughout its service area between June 2023 and May 2024 to upgrade its infrastructure and provide customers with more detailed information about their water usage. The Smart Water Meters are equipped to upload water usage information so that customers and WCID can access it online.
WCID #1 Smart Water Meter Program
What to Expect
WCID #1 has contracted Ameresco and its subcontractors, Second Sight Systems and Compass Metering Solutions, to do the work. The meter and meter box serving your property will be removed and replaced with a new Smart Meter and meter box. Installation for each location typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. During this process, the water to your property will be temporarily turned off for about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Vehicles and staff from Ameresco, Second Sight Systems and Compass Metering Solutions will be identified with the company logos shown above.
- Workers with photo IDs will make a courtesy door knock to announce activity.
- Workers will not have to enter your home or business at any time.
- If there is no answer, they will verify water is not in use.
- The existing meter will be removed and the new Smart Meter and meter box installed.
- Typical service interruption is less than 30 minutes, with total installation taking about an hour.
- Workers will flush your system using the outside hose bibb to remove air and sediment from the line.
- Workers will leave a door hanger indicating that the meter was changed.
After installation, we recommend running cold, never hot, water in your bathtubs and/or outside hose bibb for a few minutes to flush out your plumbing system.
If you have questions or concerns, contact WCID Customer Service: 281-337-1576 (Option 1) or customerservice@gcwcid1tx.gov.
Track Water Usage Online
About a week after your new Smart Water Meter is installed, you can track water usage online with the Eye on Water app, available for PCs, MACs, iPhones and Androids.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play or create an account on your computer at eyeonwater.com/signin. Use the app to track your water usage and sign up for leak detection alerts. Watch this video to learn more.
For Project Updates
Visit this webpage and follow WCID #1 on social media for project updates.
¿Hablas español? Llame al 281-337-1576 (Option 1)
WCID #1 Smart Water Meter Project
WCID #1 Proyecto de Medidor de Agua Inteligente
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart Water Meters are equipped to upload water usage information so that customers and WCID #1 can access it online.
Galveston County WCID #1 is replacing approximately 8,500 water meters and meter boxes throughout its service area between June 2023 and May 2024 to upgrade its infrastructure and provide customers with more detailed information about their water usage. Also, most of the water meters are past their useful life.
In most cases, the Smart Meter and meter box installation will take about one hour.
Second Sight Systems and Ameresco crews are scheduled to install approximately 8,500 Smart Water Meters and meter boxes between June 2023 and May 2024.
The work will begin in June 2023 and is expected to be completed by May 2024. Due to extreme weather conditions, the work will be performed during any available daylight hours. You’ll receive a door hanger letting you know that the Smart Water Meter and meter box have been installed. There will be a note on the door hanger if additional information or access is needed to change out the meter.
In most cases, water will be off for less than 30 minutes. Because your water will be turned off temporarily during the meter change process, you may experience a brief period of air or sediment in the water line. In most cases running cold, never hot, water in your bathtub or outside hose bib for a few minutes will clear up this situation. The full installation process is available at wcid1.com/water-meter-project.
Ameresco, Second Sight and Compass Metering contractors will be wearing bright yellow vests with associated logos, placards on their trucks, and carrying photo IDs. The contractor will make a courtesy door knock to announce activity.
No, they do not need to enter your home. If the water meter is behind a fence, workers will need access to that part of the property.
No, your new Smart Meter does not require any maintenance by the homeowner. As before, WCID #1 will take care of all maintenance. The water meter box will have a locking lid accessible only by WCID workers.
About a week after your Smart Water Meter is installed, you can track water usage online with the Eye on Water app, available on PCs, MACs, iPhones and Androids. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play or create an account on your computer at https://www.eyeonwater.com/signin. You can use the app to track your water usage and sign up for leak detection alerts. Watch this video explaining how to use the program: https://gcwcid1.net/eyeonwater
As water meters age, they tend to measure less water than what is actually being used. Some of WCID’s water meters are decades old. The new meters measure water usage accurately.
If your bill is excessively high, the most likely reason is an undetected leak. A running toilet caused by a leaking toilet flapper can use thousands of gallons of water per month. Replacing your toilet flapper with a new one costs only a few dollars.
Also, in the summer, bills can be higher due to outdoor irrigation, filling swimming pools and watering plants or sod. Learn More
WCID #1 is working with Ameresco to answer everyone’s questions as thoroughly as possible. We have taken the following additional steps to answer questions:
- Continue to visit wcid1.com/water-meter-project for project updates.
- Residents may contact WCID Customer Service at 281-337-1576 (Option 1) or customerservice@gcwcid1tx.gov.