Sarasota County Advances Water Meter Replacement Project
SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County is forging ahead with its multi-year water meter replacement initiative, aimed at enhancing the utilities system and improving service response times during severe weather events and throughout the year.
Launched in 2023 on Siesta Key, the project involves replacing outdated meters with advanced satellite-based technology, enabling remote data collection. This eliminates the need for staff to drive by for readings, streamlining operations. The updated system also allows the Public Utilities Department to quickly detect and address leaks or breaks, especially following weather-related disruptions, significantly reducing restoration times.
“This new technology is extremely helpful for our team and the community,” said Brooke Bailey, Director of Public Utilities. “Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we were able to read the new meters on Siesta Key remotely from the Emergency Operations Center, which enabled us to swiftly identify breaks and restore water services.”
With Siesta Key installations completed last year, Sarasota County Public Utilities has contracted Vanguard Utility Services to handle meter replacements across the remaining unincorporated areas.
What Residents Need to Know:
- Notification: Residents will receive a postcard 30 to 7 days before their scheduled replacement.
- No Need to Be Home: Replacements will proceed regardless of whether residents are present.
- Confirmation of Work: A door hanger will confirm completion.
- Brief Water Service Interruption: Each replacement takes about 15 minutes, during which water will be temporarily turned off.
- No Boil Water Advisory: Water remains safe to use once service is restored.
- Identification of Workers: Vanguard Utility Services staff will wear bright yellow attire branded with their logo, and vehicles will display the company’s logo.
For more details, visit scgov.net or contact Sarasota County at 311 or 941-861-5000.
Sarasota County remains committed to ensuring all services are accessible and free from discrimination. View the county’s full ADA compliance policy at scgov.net (search: ADA compliance).