2nd Meter Program

The 2nd meter program enables customers to utilize a second meter, which makes calculation of outdoor water use clear and accurate.  Please see our General Abatement webpage for general information on abatements and for information on other types of abatements allowed by the LSDC.

The second meter is installed to measure outdoor water sources.  The LSDC relies on self-reporting for second meter readings submitted for abatement. This meter will not be read automatically as part of the Water District’s meter reading program. Once per year, from October 1st to November 30th, 2nd Meter readings may be submitted via the online form at right or in paper form to the District office.

The outdoor water use will be abated on your January bill in accordance with the Commission’s Sewer Usage Abatement Policy.  Your seasonal water use abatement will be based on actual metered outdoor water use.

Please note, only customers with second meter installations will be considered for a seasonal outdoor water use abatement.  Calculations or estimations for outdoor water use abatements will not be considered.

The process for installing and using the second meter is as follows:

1. Customer submits a Second Meter Permit to the LSDC.

2. Customer/Customer’s plumber purchases a Sensus iPERL meter for installation on a line feeding outdoor water fixtures.  These can be purchased by your plumber at most plumbing supply houses.  Meter kits can also be purchased directly from the LSDC at cost - currently $161.  The kit includes the meter, two pipe fittings, and a shutoff valve.  Please contact us to purchase a new meter and the cost will be charged against your next sewer usage bill.

3. Customer/Customer’s plumber installs of the second meter in accordance with applicable rules and regulations and and calls for inspection by LSDC.

4. LSDC inspects and tags the meter.

5. Customer records meter reading, photographs meter face, and submits a Seasonal Abatement Request Form using the online form at right or in paper form to receive an abatement for full amount of meter reading.

Eligibility

This program is offered to residential customers only.  Institutional, industrial, and commercial customers are not eligible for this program.

This program is primarily intended for customers with lawn irrigation systems.  Other customers who expect to have to have high outdoor water use are also free to take advantage of this program however the customer should evaluate individual circumstances based on actual use to calculate cost effectiveness.

Permitting

Prior to being able to use an installed second meter the Customer must complete a Second Meter Permit application and pay the permit and inspection fee.  The completed permit constitutes an agreement between the Customer and the LSDC confirming that the use of the meter will be in compliance with applicable sewer use regulations.  This permit is specific to the Customer.  New property owners with second meters must apply for a new permit and inspection before being eligible for abatement benefits from the second meter.

There will be an initial permitting and inspection charge of in accordance with our Schedule of Fees.  

Customers are responsible for any additional permitting or inspections by others that may be required.

Allowed Meters

The LSDC requires that Customers install a Sensus iPERL meter for consistency with the residential water meters in use by the Lancaster Water District.  These meters are readily available at most plumbing supply houses and for direct purchase from the LSDC.  The meter should be sized to match existing residential meters and will typically be 5/8” meters for most Customers.  The meter needs to record use in Cubic Feet.

Meter kits can be purchased directly from the LSDC at cost.  The kit includes the meter, two pipe fittings, and a shutoff valve.  Please go to our office during normal office hours to pick up a meter.  The cost of the meter will be charged against your next sewer usage bill.

Temporary hose connection water meters are disallowed.

Installation

The second water meter is installed after the primary meter so that all water passes through the primary meter first.  

The second meter must be installed in an area that will be easily accessible should the meter need repairs or replacement.  If possible, the meter should be installed in a horizontal orientation.  A shut-off valves must be installed on the supply side of the meter and must be the same size as the meter itself (5/8”meter, use 5/8” valves for example).  It is also recommended that a shut-off valve is installed on the

There are absolutely no inside connections (draw-offs, spigots, etc.) allowed after the second water meter inside the dwelling.  

When connected to a lawn irrigation system, the system must have the appropriate backflow prevention device installed on the water supply to the system.

Second water meters are to be installed so as to meter outside usage only. Any customer that is found using the second water meter for inside use, will permanently lose the second water meter privileges and will be fined.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to install the meter in compliance with any other applicable codes and regulations.

Only one (1) second water meter will be allowed per property.

Inspection

Once the meter has been installed the customer should call the Sewer District Office at 978-365-7016 to schedule an inspection.  The LSDC will make every effort to inspect in a timely manner but due to high seasonal demand during the spring and summer months, your inspection process may take several weeks to be completed.

The inspector must be able to access the second meter easily and the Customer may be asked to demonstrate that no indoor water supplies are connected to the meter by running several indoor plumbing fixtures.

After the connection is determined to be in compliance the initial meter reading will be verified and recorded and a LSDC seal will be attached to the meter.

Customers are responsible for any additional permitting or inspections by others that may be required.

Maintenance

Second water meters are the CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY.  If the meter breaks or fails to record use, the CUSTOMERCustomer is responsible to purchase and install a new meter.  The LSDC reserves the right to re-inspect the meter installation if reported readings appear to be inconsistent.

Second meter’s must be replaced and reinspected every 15 years which is the typical meter lifespan.

Cost

The cost of the meter and installation is entirely the responsibility of the Customer.  Typical meters, meter connection points, and valves cost about $150-$175.  Plumbing charges will vary depending upon the complexity of the changes required to install the second meter.   Generally, most customers can expect to spend between $200 and $400 for the total installation.

There are no annual fees anticipated at this time although the LSDC reserves the right to institute an annual fee as this program grows and if needs dictate.

Meter Reading and Abatement Process

The LSDC relies on self-reporting for second meter readings submitted for abatement. This meter will not be read automatically as part of the Water District’s meter reading program. Once per year, from October 1st to November 30th, 2nd Meter readings may be submitted via the online form link on this page or by paper form to the District office.

Please note, should you miss your annual 2nd meter submission deadline the LSDC will still accept your updated reading but your abatement will be capped at $1,000.  Readings for more than a year at a time are impossible for the District to verify and calculate for changes in billing rates.

2nd Meter readings can be submitted starting October 1st up November 30th.

Please click above to enter your meter reading and account information.