MANNFORD — Residents of Mannford will be entering the digital age with automated metering infrastructure (AMI) replacing 992 aging water meters in the coming months.
According to information released by the Oklahoma Water Resource Board (OWRB,) Mannford Public Works Authority has received approval for $693,820 in funding to support upgrades to the community’s water system. The funding comes in the form of a loan with 100 percent principal forgiveness through the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
The release states the updated system is intended to provide more accurate, real-time water usage data while helping identify leaks and water loss more quickly.
Officials also noted the automated system is expected to reduce operational costs associated with manual meter reading and allow more time for maintenance and repairs. Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,110,620 when compared to traditional financing.
Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB, and Rob Singletary, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), express their sincere appreciation to State Senator Randy Grellner and State Representative Kyle Hilbert for their support of the DWSRF program.
The project marks a step toward modernizing essential infrastructure in Mannford while aiming to improve service for local customers.