Installing a Dedicated Water Meter for Your Irrigation System in Anchorage
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If your lawn irrigation system is driving up your monthly sewer bill you are not alone. Many Louisville homeowners in Anchorage face the same problem. They pay for sewer treatment on water they never send down the drain. Installing a dedicated irrigation meter lets you separate outdoor water usage from indoor usage. You only pay sewer fees on the water that actually goes through your home’s plumbing system. How to Handle a Main Sewer Line Backup in Your St. Matthews Home.
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This guide explains how the Louisville Water Company and Metropolitan Sewer District work together on secondary meters. It covers what the installation process looks like and how much money you can expect to save each year. We also cover the Kentucky plumbing code requirements and why a licensed plumber should handle the work. The Cost of Tankless Water Heater Installation in Jeffersontown.
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What is a Secondary Water Meter (Irrigation Meter)
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A secondary water meter is a separate water meter installed to measure only the water used for outdoor irrigation pools or other non-sewer uses. The main meter stays in place to track all indoor water consumption. When you install a second meter the Louisville MSD reads it separately and subtracts that outdoor usage from your sewer charge calculation. Fixing Low Water Pressure in Your Crescent Hill Bungalow.
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Without a secondary meter every gallon of water that passes through your main meter gets billed for both water and sewer even if it never enters your home’s drainage system. For homeowners with large lawns this can add up to hundreds of dollars per year in unnecessary sewer fees.
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The Financial Benefits: How Much Can Louisville Homeowners Save
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Sewer charges in Jefferson County typically run about 85 to 95 percent of the water rate. If you use 20000 gallons a year for irrigation you could be paying sewer fees on that water at roughly $4 to $5 per 1000 gallons. That means you might be overpaying by $80 to $100 annually.
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The payback period for a secondary meter installation usually falls between 3 to 5 years depending on your irrigation usage and the size of your property. Larger properties with extensive landscaping see the fastest return on investment.. Read more about The Difference Between Standard and Frost-Proof Outdoor Faucets for Your St. Matthews Garden.
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Here is a simple breakdown:
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| Annual Irrigation Usage | Estimated Sewer Rate | Potential Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 10000 gallons | $4.50/1000 gal | $45 |
| 20000 gallons | $4.50/1000 gal | $90 |
| 30000 gallons | $4.50/1000 gal | $135 |
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The Louisville Water Company (LWC) Process
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The Louisville Water Company manages the application and inspection for secondary meters. You start by submitting an application to LWC along with a site plan showing where the new meter will be installed. LWC reviews the plan to ensure it meets their standards and issues a permit.
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After the permit is issued you can schedule the installation. A licensed Kentucky plumber must handle the work because it involves cutting into the main water line and installing a backflow prevention device. Once the installation is complete LWC schedules an inspection to verify the meter is properly connected and the backflow preventer meets code. Backflow Prevention & Testing.
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Only after LWC approves the installation does MSD begin crediting your sewer bill for the outdoor usage. The entire process from application to final approval typically takes 3 to 6 weeks.
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Requirements for Secondary Meter Installation in Kentucky
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Kentucky plumbing code requires a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer or a double-check valve assembly on any irrigation system connected to the public water supply. The device must be installed on the supply side of the secondary meter to protect the public water system from contamination.. Read more about Running New Plumbing and Gas Lines to Your New Pool House in Indian Hills.
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The Louisville Metro Department of Codes & Regulations enforces these rules under the Kentucky State Plumbing Code. The backflow preventer must be tested annually by a certified tester and the results submitted to MSD. Failure to maintain the device can result in water service disconnection.. Read more about Planning the Plumbing for a Multi-Head Rainfall Shower System in Your Anchorage Master Bath.
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Property owners in Anchorage and other Louisville neighborhoods must also ensure the new meter is installed at least 12 inches above grade and protected from freezing. In older homes with shallow water lines this may require excavation to the proper depth. Protecting Your Anchorage Basement with a Reliable Sump Pump System.
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Secondary Meter vs. Deduct Meter: Which is Right for You
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A deduct meter is another type of auxiliary meter used to measure water that does not enter the sewer system such as for cooling towers or irrigation. The main difference is in how the credit is applied. With a secondary meter the outdoor usage is subtracted from your sewer bill each month. With a deduct meter the usage is credited once per year on your January bill.
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For most residential irrigation systems a secondary meter is the better choice because it provides monthly sewer savings and faster payback. Deduct meters are more common for commercial or industrial applications where annual reconciliation is acceptable.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Louisville Water Meters
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Do I need a permit to install a secondary water meter in Louisville
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Yes. You must obtain a permit from the Louisville Water Company before beginning any work. The permit ensures the installation meets all local codes and that the meter is properly registered for billing purposes.
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How much does a secondary water meter cost to install
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Installation costs vary based on site conditions but most homeowners in Anchorage pay between $800 and $1500 for the meter backflow preventer and professional installation. This does not include the permit fee or annual testing costs for the backflow device.
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Will I still get a water bill for the secondary meter
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Yes. You will receive a water bill for the secondary meter showing only the outdoor usage. The main meter will continue to show indoor usage. MSD will subtract the secondary meter reading from your sewer bill calculation.
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How often do I need to test the backflow preventer
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Kentucky law requires annual testing by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester. The test ensures the device is functioning properly and protecting the public water supply from contamination.
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Can I install the meter myself to save money
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No. Kentucky plumbing code requires a licensed plumber to install any device that connects to the public water supply. DIY installation can result in code violations failed inspections and potential water contamination risks.
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Call (502) 370-2677 today to schedule your inspection and start saving on your sewer bill.
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Call to Action
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If you are ready to stop overpaying for sewer service on water you never send down the drain call (502) 370-2677 today. Our licensed Kentucky plumbers will handle the entire process from permit application to final inspection so you can start enjoying lower sewer bills as soon as possible.
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Pick up the phone and call (502) 370-2677 before the next irrigation season hits. The sooner you install your secondary meter the sooner you begin saving money every month.
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