Residential and business meters are currently being installed and will continue to be installed through 2023. We will make every effort to communicate with all customers before, during and after the installation process.
Residential customers will receive a mailed notice a few weeks ahead of a meter upgrade. Customers in apartments, condos or commercial business suites may be notified of the upcoming install through their property manager. Before replacing your meter, the installer will attempt to make direct contact, so you aren't surprised by the work.
Installation Details
For most customers, the impacts from installation will be minimal.
- We respect your time: Replacing the water meter requires only a short interruption to water service. Most installations will take less than 15 minutes, so your water will just need to be shut off briefly.
- No home entry: Smart Water Meters will be replaced outside, exactly where your current water meter is. Since the meter is outside, no one will need to come into your home.
- No surprises: On your installation date, an authorized installer will knock on your door prior to the installation to let you know that they would like to switch your water meter. If you are not home, the installer will leave a door tag letting you know that your meter has been changed and who to contact if you have any questions or concerns.
- We respect your privacy: Bellevue Utilities and its contractors will not ask any residents for identification at any time before, during, or after installation.
- We respect your property: Bellevue Utilities can complete most meter upgrades without disturbing the area around the meter box. If the installer cannot access the meter box, or major vegetation trimming or meter site changes are required, you will be contacted first. Our goal is to leave the meter site in an ‘as-good or better’ condition when the work is complete. You can help prevent access issues by ensuring your meter box is clear of any obstacles or debris prior to installation.
Possible air or discolored water
Some customers may experience air or discolored water from stirred up dirt or sediment in their internal plumbing following the meter installation. Although the installer will work to minimize these impacts, they are a normal result of work on the water system.
Both can be cleared by flushing your system with cold water for a few minutes. We recommend using a fixture without a screen, such as a bathtub, to avoid trapping sediment, and avoiding using hot water in any fixture until after any discoloration has cleared.
If you have flushed your system and continue to experience the issue, please contact 425-452-7840 for further assistance from a technician.
Questions or concerns
Please contact us at SmartWater@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-6973. For scheduling concerns, please contact SmartWater@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-7840.