Port Arthur replaces aging water meters as residents await customer portal app

Port Arthur — Port Arthur is in the middle of a citywide effort to replace water meters that are more than 20 years old, but the rollout of new features tied to the upgraded meters is raising questions from some residents.

City officials said about 20 percent of the meters have been replaced so far. The new meters are intended to improve accuracy and reduce billing problems tied to aging equipment.

“They are all like over 20 years old. They don’t have an accurate reading and it’s called some billing issues,” said Jess Liao, the city’s assistant water utility director.

Along with the new meters, the city plans to offer a customer portal app designed to show water usage and help detect leaks. But the app is not yet available, prompting residents to ask when they will be able to access it.

On Facebook, Chuck Vincent asked, “How many people have the app to go with their new water meter?” Others also indicated they did not know an app was supposed to be included with the new meters.

Liao said customers with a Port Arthur water billing account will receive a new meter that comes with access to a customer portal.

“As long as you have you use watering for author you have a building account with our system. Then you will get a new meter with a new meter they come with a portal customer portal,” Liao said.

Liao said the portal is still being implemented as meter installation continues by route across the city.

“The portal gun up to implement in about 75% completion and because we Right now we just install certain We installed meter by a route. So only 20% of people have their meter replaced,” Liao said.

The city expects 75 percent of water meters to be installed by the end of the year. Until the customer portal becomes available, customers can still walk in to address concerns or questions about the new meters.

Officials also said the city will host training and information sessions once 75 percent of the meters are in place to help residents access and use the new customer portal.