According to representatives of the City of Norwich Department of Public Works, the city’s water meters are approximately 20 years old and in need of replacement, but thanks to the New York State Green Innovation Grant Program, the meters should be replaced with new digital meters within a year. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The City of Norwich has been selected to receive up to one million dollars as part of the New York State Green Innovation Grant Program, and public works representatives said they believe the upgrade will result in potential savings and improved service for customers in the city.

According to City of Norwich Director of Public Works Ed Pepe, the meters in the City of Norwich are about 20 years old, and are due for an upgrade. Pepe said the city applied for this grant in February, and that while some reserve funds will be used to help complete the project it will not result in added water bill costs.

He said there are approximately 2,800 water meters to replace, and they hope to have the work completed in a year or less.

“We’re going to be putting in new smart meter technology, they’re digital and we’re going to have a real-time read system,” said Pepe. “The biggest advantage will be improved customer service, we’re going to know when there are issues in real time because we can detect when abnormal usage is occurring.”