Irrigation Meter Q & A

• Do I Need A Separate Water Meter For My Irrigation?

  • Yes and No.

    • All homes no matter the age can have a separate irrigation meter installed.
    • New homes built AFTER July 1st, 2009 are REQUIRED to have a separate meter for Irrigation.  The costs vary from county to county, so check with you local utilities provider for pricing.
    • Homes built BEFORE July 1st, 2009 and are located in Mecklenburg County are NOT REQUIRED to have a separate meter for Irrigation. All other counties require a separate irrigation meter.

• Are there any benefits to having a separate meter?
  • If you live in Mecklenburg county, YES.  Charlotte-Meck Utilities doesn't charge you sewage for Irrigation Meters, but you start off in the 3rd tier (See Rate Increase Pamphlet).
    • Also if you have a smart irrigation controller, beginning in July of 2012, you won't be charged above tier 3 on your water bill for the separate meter!
  • For Irrigation systems that AREN'T on a separate meter, you must pay the sewage fee charged by CMUD.

    • Note: All Water rates in Mecklenburg county increased in July of 2009 (See Rate Increase Pamphlet).  The new pricing scheme is by tiers based on how much water your meter reads.

      • Example: If you used 13 Cubic Feet of Water, you would be charged $2.69 per cubic foot(July 2010 Price) for your water usage.

  • Another benefit of having 2 meters as opposed to one is that when you run your Irrigation, you only pay for the Irrigation usage, where is if you had only 1, you would be paying for the Irrigation and normal water usage.  By having 2, it can prevent your house usage from being put into another pricing tier, thus saving you money.
• What do I need to do if I want to purchase a separate meter?
  • You would need to call Charlotte Utilities at 704.336.7600 or by dialing 311.