DRUMRIGHT — City officials recently gave a public notice reminding residents to take care around water and gas meters as damaged equipment can result in costly repairs. City Manager Shawn Gibson said the announcement was meant to emphasize the importance of knowing where meters are located before beginning yard work, mowing, or construction.
“We’ve had a few water meters ran over,” Gibson said. “I've had a few water cans that's been run over and destroyed, and just trying to get a message out there to people to check that stuff and know where it's at.”
While the average resident may not think much of running over a meter box or water can the damage can quickly add up. Gibson said replacing a standard water can and lid costs almost a $100 while and antenna for the water can lid is an additional $39.
Many of the city’s newer meters are equipped with automated reading technology, which allows for efficient and remote data collection. However, these systems can also be more delicate than older, metal-based meters.
“Now, most of the water cans are all plastic. They used to have all metal but everything's plastic now so when you run over those it just it breaks them and sometimes it messes up the readers,” Gibson explained.
The notice that was posted on the city’s official website also reminds residents that damaging or tampering with public utilities — intentionally or otherwise — can result in legal consequences. Under City Code 5-1D-6, it is unlawful for anyone to damage, tamper with, or obstruct any public utility equipment including gas, water, sewer, telephone, or electrical systems. The ordinance prohibits connecting to or altering public utility lines in any way that interferes with proper service or billing.
Residents are encouraged to locate their meters, use caution when working near them, contact their local utility provider and dial 811 before digging, and report any accidental damage immediately.
Gibson iterated that the city’s goal in the notice was to raise awareness to prevent avoidable expenses — “It’s more of a general public service announcement — just trying to make people aware.”