News and Information

From Newport News Waterworks

700 Town Center Drive, Newport News, Virginia 23606

Meter reading route restructuring program to begin March 1

 Newport News, Virginia – On Thursday, March 1, Newport News Waterworks began a two-month meter reading route restructuring program that will ultimately save the utility fuel, time and money.

            Due to decades of Peninsula-wide growth, development, staffing changes and technology improvements, meter reading routes had become scattered and piece-meal. When a new neighborhood was developed, it may have been added to the route that had the fewest meters to read, rather than the route nearest the neighborhood. The route restructure will reorganize the routes. “This will save us time and gas and help us to work more efficiently and effectively,” says Diane Haire, meter reading Route Supervisor.

            Waterworks’ customers may see a water bill in March or April that is higher or lower than usual. In order to reorganize the routes, water meters may be read earlier or later in the two-month billing cycle (March/April). Customers are not being charged more or less, there just may be more or fewer DAYS on the water bill than usual. During this one-time adjustment, water bills may range from 36-97 days rather than the standard 60-day bill. Water bills should return to “normal” in the following two-month cycle (May-June).

            Some customers may see no change at all, but for those who receive a larger than normal water bill, Waterworks will provide customers with payment extensions if the account is in good standing.

            Waterworks has provided a geographical list of communities and locations with an estimated number of days anticipated for the March/April bill. To view that list, please visit our web site at www.nngov.com/waterworks/spotlights/2012Meters. “Like” us on Facebook for updates and timely news feed items. If you have questions, call Waterworks at 926-1000, but please note that this may create a longer than usual wait time for our call center. We ask your patience and understanding while we reorganize.