What is the purpose of a special meter?

A special, or additional supplemental meter, should provide a cost savings to you, the customer. There are many variations to its use based on the specific needs of the individual.

Well water system users: Used to record actual water utilized. If you have a special meter, your sewer use charges would be based on actual consumption rather than calculated on the average public water service customers usage which averages 140 ccfs (1 ccf = 748 gallons). The average well user bill for 2023 is 140 ccfs X $3.40 = $476.00. Please note that if your meter shows that your actual consumption is above 140 ccfs, you will pay more than the average bill.

For public water service users, Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) or Manchester Water Department meters can be used to record water not discharged into the sewer system; i.e. pools, irrigation systems, etc. This amount can then be deducted from the gross amount of water supplied to you by your water service provider.

Example:

Municipal Water Provider Gross Consumption:   250 ccfs
Special meter (deducting for non-sewer use):       50 ccfs

Adjusted total ccfs:                                                  200 ccfs

Note: A fee for processing special metered accounts will be added, as outlined below. There are also additional variations to these basic systems.

How do I know if I should put a meter in?

Decisions to install a meter are based on your consumption and other uses. Consideration should be given to capital costs, maintenance, and annual fee levied on these special meters.

The Town will not direct you to put a meter in, only suggest it based on the homeowner's special circumstances. The decision rests solely with the property owner.

What are the requirements for special meters?

Effective July 1, 2021:  All meters shall be installed within the interior structure of the property and installed so they are easily accessible to read. Meters which have been installed exterior of the structure prior to this date will be allowed to remain until such time they fail or require replacement. Meters shall be installed and plumbed in a permanent manner and not installed to allow seasonal or intermittent use where they may be installed and removed. Those existing meters which have been installed in this manner will be allowed to remain until such time they fail or require replacement. Units of measure shall be in hundred cubic feet (ccf). The Town reserves the right to deny acceptance of any special metered account which may not comply with Town requirements. (revised June 9, 2021)

When do I install the meter, and who should be notified that I've done so?

Meters can be installed at any time during the year. However, in order to receive credit on your current sewer use bill, meters are to be installed by March 30th of that billing year and the Town Water Pollution Control must be notified by April 3rd.

The Water Pollution Control Division (WPCD) should be notified as soon as possible after the meter is installed so that it can be properly and accurately entered into our system. It is the property owner's responsibility to notify the WPCD office. Do NOT rely on the installer since you are responsible for the Sewer Use bill payment.

You can notify the WPCD by sending an email to sanitationclerk@glastonbury-ct.gov. Please include a photo of the meter, along with your full name and address.

Local ordinances require building inspections by the Building Department in addition to notifying your public water supply provider to comply with Public Health Code requirements regarding cross connections and back flow prevention.

Who pays for the meter?

Purchase, installation, and maintenance of these meters is the responsibility of the property owner. The Town does not provide these services. Costs are determined by your specific installation.

Are there additional charges if I have a meter installed?

Special meters are intended to provide accurate records of consumption to provide more equitable billing. To provide this service, additional staff time is required to calculate and generate these bills. Each year, during review and adoption of sewer use rates by the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), a fee is adopted for these accounts. The fee has ranged between $20.00 and $30.00 per year and is reviewed and adjusted annually. It is calculated as part of the sewer use bill.

If I do not have a special meter, can adjustments be made?

Adjustments to a sewer use bill without a special meter will only be made in exceptional circumstances (e.g., a large water service leak) for flow which did not enter the sanitary sewer system. Considerations for adjustments may be made upon submitting an appeal. Adjustments shall be made for the actual billing year only. These adjustments are reviewed by the WPCA. Should an adjustment be allowed, it is normally a (1) time allowance unless a special meter is installed which would accurately record non-sewered usage. See Appeals section in the Sewer Use Billing Information document here.

How is my meter read?

Residents are recommended to email pictures of their actual meter face and serial number to sanitationclerk@glastonbury-ct.gov. 

Meter reading reminder cards are sent to residents the beginning of June each year. Record ALL numbers including zeros, stationary or not. This card has prepaid return postage and can be returned by mail, free of charge.

Failure to return the card by the June 30^th deadline will result in processing your current bill WITHOUT an adjustment. There will not be adjustment to the following year's bill. There are no exceptions.