Secondary Meters

FAQ's

1. What is a secondary meter?
At the option and expense of a property owner, an additional water meter, referred to as a secondary water meter, may be installed. The secondary water meter shall allow for the metering of water that is directed exclusively to a sprinkler system or outside spigot or connection such as, but not limited to, a swimming pool.

2. How will a water and sewer customer benefit?
The secondary meter will measure the volume of water used exclusively outside of the house that will not enter a sanitary sewer system, therefore, this water usage will not be applied into the calculation of the sewage disposal bill for the property.

3. How will this help to conserve water?
During the summer months approximately 65% of the total water is used outdoors primarily for watering lawns and gardens as well as for washing cars and other recreational uses. The secondary meter will identify the amount of water that is used outside, therefore allowing the customer to better monitor and control their outside water use.

4. What does the meter cost?
The size of the secondary meter shall be at least the same size or smaller of the incoming water service. The Water & Sewer Division will not be responsible for determining the size of the secondary meter.

3/4 " meter	$200
1" meter	$300
1 1/2" meter	$490

5. Are there other costs?
The installation of a secondary meter will require plumbing changes within the home. The costs for these plumbing changes will vary depending upon the complexity of the existing plumbing in each home. A licensed plumber should do this work.

6. Is a permit required?
All plumbing changes and meter installations must be incompliance with the State Plumbing Code. A Plumbing Permit will be required from the Township's Building Division. All work must be inspected and approved by the Plumbing Inspector before use of the secondary meter.

7. How does a customer purchase a secondary meter?
A secondary meter can be purchased in the Water & Sewer Division located in the Public Works building on Dublin Road. Click here for a map. For more information please call 248.433.7731.

Steps for Installing a Secondary Water Meter

1. Determine the size for your secondary water meter. This is best discussed with whomever will be doing the work. The Water & Sewer Division will not be responsible for determining the size.

2. Prior to purchase the owner or plumber will need to know the existing water service size as well as the type of valve before the existing meter.

3. Pay for the secondary water meter in the Water & Sewer Division. Cash or check only. This can be done before or at the time of pulling the permit.

3/4 " meter	$200
1" meter	$300
1 1/2" meter	$490

4. The contractor (or homeowner) doing the work is required to secure a plumbing permit through the Building Division. The plumbing permit fee is $70 for the secondary meter. Pick up the secondary meter.

5. Have the meter installed and plumbing changes made according to the diagram provided. This must be done within 30 days of purchase.

6. After both meters are set, contractor (or homeowner) must call for an inspection in the Building Division at 248.594.2818. Must have the permit number to schedule an inspection.

7. Once the inspection is approved, the Water & Sewer Division must have access to install remote. Appointments should be schedule within 24 hours of inspection approval by calling 248.433.7731.

8. A separate billing account will be set up for reading the secondary meter and billed for water only charges on the outdoor water use.

Click here to view a properly installed secondary meter.

Installation Checklist

Now that you have your secondary meter, use the following checklist to complete the process. Click here to print the checklist in PDF format.

Secondary Water Meter Requirements

Minimum meter size for the secondary water meter shall be 3/4". The secondary meter must be the same size or smaller than the incoming water service.
A plumbing permit must be obtained from the Township Building Division for necessary plumbing work related to installing the meter. The applicable plumbing permit fee includes the required final inspection by the Plumbing Inspector.
For existing customers, the Water & Sewer Division will issue a meter at the time the plumbing permit is issued.
New customers must pay for their secondary meter along with their standard water connection charges.
The existing water meter for inside use shall be re-installed by the permit holder. The Water & Sewer Division has the option to replace the existing meter as needed.
Both meters shall be fully independent, requiring a full opening gate or ball valve before and after each meter. There must be a total of 5 valves. See diagram below.
Both meters shall have an electrical jumper cable (#4 minimum) installed before and after each meter for ground continuity per the electrical code.
The permit holder will assure that the outside readout cable can be accommodated for both meters. This may require the installation of a conduit through the building wall.
The Water & Sewer Division shall install the remote reading equipment either at time of final inspection or shortly thereafter.
Access to building must be provided for meter installations and the final inspection within 30 days of purchase or shortly thereafter by appointment.

Click here to view a secondary meter layout and schematic.

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Charter Township of Bloomfield
4200 Telegraph Road
P.O. Box 489
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0489
248.433.7700

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