Wichita credits ultrasonic meter switch for $500,000 revenue boost, authorizes new funding

Wichita credits ultrasonic meter switch for $500,000 revenue boost, authorizes new fundingThe Kansas municipality is replacing aging turbine meters with ultrasonic technology to capture low-flow usage data, securing a rapid return on investment through improved billing accuracy.

City Council authorized $600,000 in CIP funding for 2025 and 2026 to continue the meter replacement program.

The utility has already replaced all 3-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch turbine meters with ultrasonic units.

Staff reported an annual revenue increase of over $500,000 attributed directly to the new meters' accuracy.

The current phase targets 2-inch meters used in food service and small manufacturing.

The Wichita City Council voted unanimously on February 3 to authorize full funding for the continued replacement of large commercial and industrial water meters, following a report from utility staff that the technology upgrade is generating over half a million dollars in recovered revenue annually. The project involves replacing aging mechanical turbine-style meters with ultrasonic meters. Don Henry, representing Public Works and Utilities, told the council that the switch is necessary to promote accurate measurement of water usage, particularly regarding "discrete flows" in industrial applications. According to Henry, traditional turbine meters tend to slow down and under-read as their mechanical components wear over time. Furthermore, the older technology often fails to register low-volume events, such as a drinking fountain use, a single toilet flush, or a sink faucet operation within a high-flow industrial facility. Henry stated that the ultrasonic units are capable of capturing these flow increases, leading to more accurate revenue collection. The city began the program in March 2022 with an initial $600,000 authorization, followed by an additional $200,000 in 2023. The Water Distribution division has now completed the replacement of all meters sized 6 inches and larger, as well as all 4-inch and 3-inch units. The newly approved funding—comprising $300,000 allocated for 2025 and $300,000 for 2026—will be used to accelerate the replacement of 2-inch meters, which are widely used in small manufacturing and food service sectors. "The outcome to date, due to the improved technology and newer meters, is an increase in revenue of more than half a million dollars a year," Henry said. Matt Townsend of Water Distribution noted that while the previous turbine-style meters had a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, they suffered from accuracy degradation due to mechanical friction. The new ultrasonic meters have no moving parts and rely on batteries warrantied for 10 years, though staff have observed them lasting longer in the field. The council approved the project and adopted the resolution with a 7-0 vote.