Water Meter Replacement Program

Is the replacement mandatory?

Yes, under Water Bylaw 2024-09, all water meters are owned and maintained by the Town. Replacement is required to ensure:

• Accurate billing for all customers.
• Effective system monitoring and management.
• Long-term water infrastructure reliability. If a meter is inaccurate or at the end of its service life, Town staff may enter your property with notice to replace it, as per the bylaw. Non-compliance may result in temporary service disruption or additional charges.

Why Are We Replacing Water Meters?

Most existing meters have reached the end of their service life, leading to inaccurate readings and potential billing discrepancies. The new flowIQ® meters:

• Provide precise measurements for fair billing.
• Detect leaks and system issues early, reducing water loss and damage.
• Enable real-time data collection for better customer service and system planning.
• Support a proactive approach to water infrastructure maintenance.

Are these Water Meters Safe?

Yes, the Kamstrup flowIQ® 2200 and 3200 ultrasonic smart meters fully comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 (SC6), which sets strict limits for human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the 3 kHz to 300 GHz range. SC6 is designed to protect the public from both thermal and non-thermal effects of RF energy, ensuring safety for all Canadians, including vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

What is Safety Code 6?

• Purpose: SC6, established by Health Canada, provides science-based guidelines to limit RF exposure from devices like smart meters, cell phones, and Wi-Fi routers. It is regularly updated based on the latest scientific research.
• Exposure Limits: For the 450–470 MHz frequency band used by flowIQ2200® meters, SC6 sets a conservative thermal exposure limit of approximately 3 W/m² (2,500,000 µW/m²) for the general public. This limit is set far below the level that could cause harm, even over a long period of exposure.
• Scientific Basis: SC6 is informed by extensive research from Health Canada, the World Health Organization (WHO), and international bodies like the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Studies consistently show no adverse health effects from RF exposures below SC6 limits.

FlowIQ® Meter Compliance:

• RF Emissions: The flowIQ2200® meters emit RF energy at 1–18 µW/m² at 1 meter, which is less than 0.001% of Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 limit. This makes their emissions negligible compared to regulatory thresholds.
• Safety Features:
• Low Power Output: The meters use minimal energy for RF transmission, far lower than household devices like cell phones (up to 1,000,000 µW/m² during calls) or Wi-Fi routers (~100,000 µW/m²).
• Intermittent Transmission: Data is sent in short bursts six times daily, totaling less than a few seconds of transmission per day, minimizing exposure.
• Distance: Meters are typically installed in basements, utility rooms, or outdoor pits, away from living areas, where RF energy decreases rapidly with distance.
• Testing and Certification: The meters are certified by ISED Canada and the FCC, confirming compliance with SC6 and equivalent standards.

Comparison to Everyday Devices:

• The RF emissions from flowIQ® meters are significantly lower than those from common devices:
• Cell Phones: Up to 1,000,000 µW/m² when held to the ear.
• Wi-Fi Routers: ~10,000–100,000 µW/m² at 1 meter.
• Baby Monitors: ~10,000–50,000 µW/m².
• Microwave Ovens: ~5,000 µW/m² at 1 meter (when operating).
• Kamstrup Meter: 1–18 µW/m² at 1 meter
• And unlike the other devices listed, flowIQ® meters are not held close to the body and transmit infrequently, further reducing exposure.

Scientific Evidence:

• Health Canada, WHO, and ICNIRP have conducted decades of research on low-level RF exposure. Over 25,000 studies confirm no consistent evidence of harm from RF emissions below SC6 limits, including from smart meters.
• Health Canada’s 2015 SC6 update states: “Exposure levels from smart meters are well below the limits specified in SC6 and do not pose a health risk to the public.”
• WHO’s 2014 fact sheet on electromagnetic fields notes: “No adverse health effects have been established for low-intensity RF fields, such as those used in smart meter networks.”

Additional Safety Certifications:

• AWWA C715, OIML R49, ISO 4064: Ensure meter accuracy and performance.
• NSF/ANSI 61 & Lead-Free Compliance: Confirm safety for drinking water.
• IP68 Rating: Dustproof and protected against long-term water immersion.
• AES 128-bit Encryption: Secures data transmission, preventing unauthorized access.
• RoHS/REACH: Restricts hazardous substances, ensuring environmental safety.
• Tamper Detection: Alerts the Town to unauthorized interference, protecting system integrity.

Resident Reassurance:

• The flowIQ® meters’ RF emissions are thousands of times lower than SC6 limits and everyday devices, making them safe for all households, including those with children or medical devices.
• Their placement away from living areas and intermittent transmission further minimize any exposure.

For more information, please consult these Health Canada and WHO resources:

Health Canada - Safety Code 6 Guidelines

World Health Organization - Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health

Why Am I Being Charged a Fee?

Most of the Town’s water meters are old and need to be replaced. The Water Meter Replacement Fee helps cover the full cost of each new meter over its lifespan, so funds are available for future replacements. This ensures your water service remains accurate and reliable for years to come. The replacement costs are based on the rates set out in the Town’s Rates Bylaw and follow a 20-year cycle, determined by the size of the water meter.

Will My Water Bill Increase?

The new meters measure usage accurately, so bills may adjust if old meters under-registered usage. The Water Meter Replacement Fee (see below) covers meter and installation costs over a 20-year lifespan, with no additional charges. Accurate readings help you identify high-usage activities to save water and money.

Water Meter Replacement Rates

Rates Bylaw: 2024-14

Meter Size       Rate

¾”                   $3.50/month (Majority of residential customers)

1”                     $5.50/month

.5”                    $6.50/month

2”                     $7.50/month

3”                     $11.00/month

4”                     $12.50/month

6”                     $26.50/month

8”                     $36.50/month

How Will the Program Work?

• The Pilot program was completed in 2023 and 2024, with 95 meters installed.
•  Phase 1 was completed in summer 2025, with an additional 620 water meters installed.
•  Phase 2: Approximately 820 residents and businesses have been chosen as a part of Phase 2 replacements.

When Will the Replacement Happen?

The replacement program will roll out in phases. Phase 2 will have an anticipated start date of October 2025 and is expected to be completed by January 2026. Residents and businesses whose meters will be replaced during Phase 2 will be notified well in advance of their scheduled replacement date.

Additional Information and Resources

• Utility changes announcement: Newspaper Advertisements
• Printed information included with the February utility bills. (The information there is similar to what is on this page.) 
• Approved budget changes included in the Council Highlights from December 9
• Radio announcement: Municipal Minute - Audio December 17

If you'd like to stay informed of initiatives and projects, please sign up for our newsletters at olds.ca/subscribe.

RF (Radiofrequency) Exposure

• Compliance: The meters fully comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 (SC6), which sets limits for human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields in the 3 kHz to 300 GHz range.
• Safety Limits: SC6 establishes a thermal exposure limit of approximately 3 W/m² (~2,500,000 µW/m²) for the 450–470 MHz frequency band. This limit is conservative, designed to protect against both thermal and non-thermal effects.
• Meter Emissions: The flowIQ meters emit 1–18 µW/m² at 1 meter, which is less than 0.001% of the SC6 exposure limit.

• Factors That Minimize Exposure:

• Low Power Output: The RF signals are extremely low energy.
• Intermittent Transmission: Data is sent in short bursts multiple times per day, reducing continuous exposure.
• Distance from Occupants: Meters are typically installed away from living areas, and RF energy decreases rapidly with distance.

Leak Detection and System Monitoring

• Acoustic Technology: The meters use ultrasonic sensors to monitor the flow of water through pipes. These sensors can detect:
• Small leaks before they become major problems
• Burst pipes or sudden pressure changes
• Reverse flow or unauthorized water usage
• Event Logging: Each meter records flow events, reverse flows, and unusual pressure patterns, which are transmitted to the Town’s monitoring system for analysis.
• Benefits: Early detection allows the Town and residents to address issues quickly, potentially saving thousands in property damage and reducing water loss.
• Residential and Commercial Applications: The system benefits both homeowners and businesses by providing real-time alerts for plumbing issues or unusual consumption patterns.

Data Storage and Security

• Encrypted Data Transmission: Water usage readings are transmitted via secure, encrypted RF signals to protect data integrity and privacy.
• Centralized Storage: Data is stored on protected servers managed by the Town, with role-based access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access information.
• Privacy Protection: The meters only record water consumption and identification codes. No personal data, such as names or account information, is stored on the device.
• Use of Data: Authorized staff use this data for:
• Billing accuracy
• Leak detection and system monitoring
• Long-term water system planning and operational improvements

Meter Certifications and Compliance

• Lead-Free: Complies with AWWA C715 and NSF/ANSI 61, ensuring safe drinking water.
• International Standards: Meters meet ISO 4064 and OIML R49 standards for water meter performance and accuracy.
• Longevity and Durability:
• No moving parts, reducing wear and tear over time
• Resistant to corrosion, sediment, and scale buildup
• Designed for a 20+ year service life

Power Supply

• Internal Lithium Battery: Provides up to 20 years of operation.
• Maintenance-Free: The battery is sealed and tamper-proof, minimizing maintenance requirements for residents.

Reverse Flow and Tamper Detection

• Meters detect backflow, which can indicate pipe tampering, cross-connections, or system errors.
• Reverse flow events trigger alerts in the Town’s monitoring system, helping prevent inaccurate billing or system damage.
• Tamper-Proof Design: Opening or attempting to manipulate the meter voids the warranty and is detectable by the system.

Temperature Monitoring

• Meters record both water temperature and ambient temperature.
• Frost Protection: Helps identify potential freezing risks in pipes.
• Operational Monitoring: Unusual temperature readings can indicate system problems, such as water heating in commercial processes or hot water recirculation issues.

Practical Safety Summary

• RF emissions are extremely low and well within conservative international and Canadian limits.
• Data is securely encrypted and used only for water system management.
• Leak detection and reverse flow monitoring protect homes, businesses, and the community.
• The meters are durable, maintenance-free, and long-lasting, ensuring safe, reliable water measurement for decades.

Small Leak, Big Savings

When a family noticed their water bill increased, they assumed it was the new meter. But their new water meter showed continuous overnight water flow, even when everyone was asleep.
They checked their bathrooms and discovered a toilet flapper was leaking. A quick cost-effective replacement stopped the constant flow. The family’s bill dropped immediately, saving them hundreds of dollars a year.

Smarter Watering, Lower Bills

Old habits can be costly. One resident watered their lawn for an hour every day, not realizing how much water it used. When the new water meter provided detailed usage data, they were shocked at the volume.
By switching to early morning watering just three times a week, they cut their outdoor water use by nearly 40%. Their lawn stayed green, their bill dropped, and they contributed to conserving Olds’ water supply.

Finding Hidden Leaks Faster with flowIQ2200

Behind the scenes, the Town uses acoustic leak detection tied to the new meters. The system analyzes noise levels recorded at meters and the leak-detection software produces a visual map that highlights likely leak locations. When staff saw a concentrated noise signature on the map, crews were able to narrow their search to a small segment of pipe, locate the leak, and repair it quickly. What used to require wide-area troubleshooting is now targeted work which in turn equals faster repairs, less wasted water, and fewer disruptions for residents.