Starting March 2026, the City of Gretna Water Department will initiate a comprehensive water meter replacement program that will upgrade 7,850 water meters. The purpose of this effort is to upgrade Gretna’s water distribution system with a cellular reading capability and to replace meters that have served beyond their estimated useful lives. The target meter population includes all commercial and residential meters. The estimated time of completion for the entire project is 6 months.

The new water meter that will be installed in commercial and residential properties is the brand Badger water meters. These Badger water meters will be installed by the contractor, Pedal Valve. The new system will allow meters to be read from cellular transmitters at each water meter location. The city converted all manually read water meters to electronic water meters in 2015. The water meters currently in the ground have served their useful life and require replacement. Water meters are the devices used to measure the amount of water delivered to our customers. Replacing old meters will ensure that the City of Gretna Department of Water can accurately track both individual usage for billing purposes and monitor and evaluate community demands. The new cellular antennas attached to the water meters require a plastic lid for transmission. If your yard or business has a metal or concrete box, your box and lid will be replaced with plastic. The contractor, Pedal Valve, will do their best to minimize any disruption to your yard during the replacement of the water meter box and lid.

• Improves the efficiency of meter reading and water billing
• Increases the quality of customer service by eliminating the need for estimated bills
• Prevents recording errors
• Minimizes the need for personnel to go on the property by reading the water meter through a cellular
  antenna
• Customers can look at real-time water usage with the water meter portal

Q: Are the new meters the same as the ones being replaced?

The current water meter is an electronic meter that is read by a drive-by signal. The new water meters will be the Badger
water meters. The new meter will have a manual face and a cellular antenna that will provide more accurate readings.

Q: Why do meters need to be replaced?

As with any measuring device, meters can become less accurate as they age. Water meters have a useful life of 10 to 12 years
after which the accuracy may diminish.

Q: Who will install the new meters?

The contractor, Pedal Valves, Inc., will replace or upgrade approximately 7,850 water meters throughout the city (Zip code
70053) beginning March 2026. The work crews will be wearing blue shirts with the logo “PVI Meter Team” and driving
trucks with the same insignia.

Q: Will be my service be interrupted during the installation?

Yes, there will be a temporary service interruption while the meter is being replaced – typically about 15-30 minutes. A Pedal
Valve representative will inform in person each resident prior to the installation of the new meter.

Q: Do I need to be home for the meter replacement valve?

No, you don’t need to be home.

Q: Will my water meter box be replaced?

If your water meter lid is metal or concrete, it will be replaced with plastic. This will require digging to take the box out to be
replaced.

Q: Will my water bill increase?

As meters age, they tend to run slower and may not measure all the water going through them. Depending on the age and
accuracy of your existing meter, you may experience a higher bill due to the accuracy of your new meter. The new meters will
simply record consumption more accurately.

Q: Will I be notified in advance of my water meter installation?

Yes, as the water meter installation contractor, Pedal Valve, will put a door hanger on your door prior to installation to notify
that the installation is upcoming.

Q: What if I own a commercial account? Is this handled differently than residential installation?

All commercial accounts will be contacted personally by a representative from Pedal Valves, Inc. to schedule a convenient
time to complete your meter replacement.

Q: Who can I contact in the city if I have questions about this project?

If you have questions regarding this project, please feel free to contact Gretna Citizens Affairs at (504) 363-1502