utilities

Idaan sets meter goal

The agency is aiming to have meters in 100 percent of the homes it serves.

la prensa

fair share: Idaan officials say that they are progressing toward their goal of having water meters in 100 percent of the residences are connected to its system.1113332

When María Sanz inquired about connecting to the public water system, she was surprised that the process involved her purchasing a water meter from a private provider.

“I'm upset that I was not just required to buy a specific type of water meter, but they even told me where to buy it,” she said. “It seems like they are favoring a particular company, and that seems like it would be an illegal practice.”

Idaan, the government's water and sewer authority, has been requiring its customers to purchase water meters from local suppliers for the past two years.

“We determined that investing money in buying meters simply to put them into storage was not a priority for us,” said Jorge Medrano, Idaan's commercial director. “Most importantly, we used those funds to invest in other projects, such as extending lines to communities that are in need of drinking water.”

Before the adoption of this plan, Idaan invested about $350,000 per year in the purchase of meters. Now, the agency can use that money in other areas.

There are currently three companies that have been certified by Idaan to sell meters: Implosa, RyM Centroamérica and Accesorios Industriales. However, Medrano said customers can buy a meter anywhere they want, though they run the risk of making a purchase that does not meet the parameters of the system.

Idaan denies that it is favoring some companies to the detriment of others. “If there is another vendor who wants to enter the market, it can apply,” Medrano said.

A residential customer needs a meter 5/8 of an inch in diameter. It typically costs between $40 and $50, depending on the material with which it is made. Once a meter is purchased, it needs to be taken to Idaan offices, where officials need to calibrate it to verify that it has not been altered. This service costs about $2.70, and the customer also has to pay an additional connection fee, which is about $8.

“What the customer should have is a meter to record consumption properly, which is going to create in people a culture of rational use of water. That is, they will be paying for what they will be using,” Medrano said. Idaan is also responsible for maintaining and repairing the meter.

The agency hopes to eventually have meters in 100 percent of the residences they service, which in turn will lead to the better use of water.

Sanz has already purchased a water meter, but she does not yet have service. That’s because she is still waiting for the agency to install her meter.