Pine Bluff Meter-Reading Project
Enhancing meter-reading technology to improve the customer experience
Starting in July 2026, Liberty will begin upgrading its water meter reading technology throughout the city of Pine Bluff. As part of this two-year project, we’ll be adding updated meter-reading devices to about 10,000 existing meters. In some cases, older meters will also be replaced.
These upgrades are designed to make meter reading more accurate. The new devices send meter readings wirelessly to Liberty trucks as they drive by, eliminating the need for manual readings at each home or business.
Once your meter is upgraded, our technicians will no longer need to enter your property for routine monthly readings.
What you may notice
Most water meters are located underground. To support the new technology and ensure accurate readings, we will slightly raise the meter box by adding an extension.
- You may notice a blue lid on your meter box
- The box may sit about 3 inches above the ground
- It will measure roughly 1 foot by 2 feet
To help our crews, we ask that you keep the area around your meter clear. This allows us to quickly access it if needed, such as during an emergency. Please also take care when mowing or doing yard work near the meter box to avoid accidental damage.
At a Glance
- Updated meter-reading devices will be added to around 10,000 meters in Pine Bluff
- Some older meters will be replaced
- The technology will eliminate the need for manual reading
- They will reduce or eliminate estimated bills
- They will provide more accurate bills based on actual water use
- The project is projected to take about two years to complete
Frequently Asked Questions
An Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT) is a small device that connects to your water meter. It sends your water usage information securely using radio signals, which allows us to read your meter without needing to access it manually.
Most water meters are installed underground. To allow the new technology to work optimally, we’re adding a small extension to lift the meter box slightly above ground and installing a new lid that allows for better signal transmission/reception.
You may notice a rectangular box with a blue lid — about 1 foot by 2 feet — that sits a few inches above the ground. This helps ensure we can capture accurate readings.
Please take care when mowing or doing yard work around the box to avoid accidental damage.
We’re continuing to replace older meters and add new technology (cables and ERTs) as part of a long-term effort to improve how we read water usage.
These updates help us to improve service and reduce expenses by:
- Providing more accurate bills based on actual water use
- Reducing or eliminating estimated bills
- Reading meters remotely without needing to enter your property
Work is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and will continue over several years.
In most cases, installing the meter box extensions and the ERTs will not affect your water service.
If your meter needs to be replaced, you may experience a short, temporary outage while the work is completed.
Most customers do not need to schedule anything. Our crews will work through neighborhoods one area at a time.
The only time you may need to schedule an appointment is if we’re unable to access your meter. If that happens, we’ll contact you to find a convenient time.
Installing the ERT is a quick process and typically only takes a short amount of time.
If your meter also needs to be replaced, it may take a little longer. (Timing may vary depending on the setup at your home.)
Liberty crews and approved contractors will complete the installations. All contractors are authorized to perform this work on our behalf.
Water meters are accurate, but like any mechanical device, they can slow down as they age. If your meter is old, it may be recording this happens, the meter may record less than your actual usage. However, this is rare.
If you have concerns about your meter, please contact our Customer Care team to request that your meter is tested.