Wastewater Flow Meter Annual Calibration FAQs

Q: The wastewater meter was purchased by our company. Why do we have to adhere to any testing/calibration requirements?
A: Normal JEA water and wastewater billing is based on water consumption. As the customer has special need(s) to differentiate water and wastewater billing, either due to the customer's special plumbing requirements or process taking in a lot of water not discharged to JEA's water system, by requesting JEA's approval for one or more separate wastewater meter(s). A special agreement was established to allow customer to purchase and install wastewater meter system per JEA's requirements and to maintain and calibrate the meter routinely at least once a year. Based on this agreement, the customer is required to adhere to annual testing/calibration requirement.

Q: Who receives the Annual Notice?
A: We usually send the notice to the premise owner or the facility's maintenance supervisor. However, if you have any preference as to where the notice should be sent, please fill out the customer contact information sheet included in your notice package.

Q: Do we still need to test the wastewater meter if we do not have it anymore?
A: We apologize for the misunderstanding! Either we have mis-recorded the system information of your facility or you may have changed out the system without contacting JEA. JEA is more than happy to investigate the actual state of your wastewater discharge system and make sure our records properly reflect the actual system status. Billing adjustments will also be made to reflect the actual metering of your wastewater. This could result in a higher or lower bill based on the findings.

Q: Who do we contact to get approval for the meter calibration vendor?
A: Please contact Meter Services Operation and Maintenance at (904) 665-8432.

Q: Who do we contact to get approval and/or inspection of the meter repair after the meter was found broken since the calibration?
A: Please contact Meter Services Operation and Maintenance at (904) 665-8432.

Q: Why do we need to test or calibrate the wastewater meter? We were told the meter is very accurate and holds its calibration very well.
A: No matter how well the meter system is put together and no matter how reputable the meter manufacturer is, the type of discharge, the condition of discharge and the buildup in the meter system could all contribute to a less than desirable operating condition for the meter. Even the meter manufacturer has a routine calibration requirement in order for their meter to operate properly and remain accurate.

Q: Who pays for the calibration/testing?
A: The customer is responsible for all expenses and scheduling of the meter calibration/testing.

Q: What if there is something wrong with the meter after testing?
A: The wastewater discharge is no longer properly recorded. The meter must be replaced/repaired immediately. The customer is responsible for having the meter replaced or repaired at the customer's expense, and since this is unexpected, a reasonable time allotment will be agreed upon between JEA and the customer. Meanwhile, the wastewater billing will be estimated based on past consumption history.

Q: We have financial difficulties or we did not budget for the extra expense associated with the meter calibration. Will JEA be able to help pay for the test and put the charges into our monthly bill?
A: JEA is not prepared to pay for any expenses for the customer. However, special arrangements can be made but are not guaranteed nor is it JEA's obligation.

Q: We do not have to test JEA's water meter(s). Why do we have to calibrate the wastewater meter?
A: Normal JEA water and wastewater billing is to bill wastewater based on water consumption. Therefore it is JEA's responsibility to test and maintain the water meter(s). As the customer has special need(s) that differentiate water and wastewater billing, either due to the customer's special plumbing requirements or process taking in a lot of water not discharged to JEA's wastewater system, by requesting JEA's approval for one or more separate wastewater meters. A special agreement was established to allow customer to purchase and install wastewater meter system per JEA's requirements and to maintain and calibrate the meter routinely at least once a year. Based on this agreement, the customer is required to adhere to annual testing/calibration requirement.

Q: Can we talk to someone at JEA to arrange an exception not to calibrate the meter?
A: JEA treats all its customers equally and equitably. It is not permissible by law for JEA to make any exception or any special occasion.

Q: We have just installed the meter, and it has not been a year yet. Do we still have to test the meter?
A: If the meter was recently calibrated, please contact Meter Services Operation and Maintenance at (904) 665-8432 to have someone review your records to see if the timing and results of the calibration are sufficient to comply with JEA's requirements.

Q: Can you tell us what is entailed in the meter calibration?
A: Different types of meters have different ways/methods for calibration. Your vendor should be best qualified to let you know of the details. Meter manufacturers will also have the meter calibration steps detailed in the meter manual or on their website.

Q: Can we include any additional paperwork or records with the meter testing/calibration?
A: It is not necessary to include any additional record as long as the records show proper calibration and testing results.

Q: We have a routine meter calibration/maintenance schedule but it does not coincide with JEA's call for meter calibration schedule. How can we resolve this?
A: If the meter was recently calibrated, please contact Meter Services Operation and Maintenance at (904) 665-8432 to have someone review your records to see if the timing and results of the calibration are sufficient to comply with JEA's requirements.

Q: After the meter testing, we found problems with the meter system. How soon do we have to repair the system, and what will happen to the wastewater billing in the meantime?
A: The wastewater discharge is no longer properly recorded. The meter must be replaced/repaired immediately. The customer is responsible to have the meter replaced or repaired at the customer's expense and, since this is unexpected, a reasonable time allotment will be agreed upon between JEA and the customer. Meanwhile, the wastewater billing will be estimated based on past consumption history.