Allen In Focus: February 2022 Issue

FEBRUARY 2022

IN THIS ISSUE DARE TO DREAM DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT UPDATE

NEW WATER METERS STAYING ACTIVE IN ALLEN

GET FIT, PAY ZIP!

WATER SYSTEM NOTICE

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

ALLEN CITY COUNCIL

DARE TO DREAM

DOWNTOWN ALLEN REVITALIZATION

Ken Fulk Mayor

Daren Meis

Councilmember | Place No. 1

Carl Clemencich

Councilmember | Place No. 2

Dave Cornette

Councilmember | Place No. 3

Chris Schulmeister

Councilmember | Place No. 4

Dave Shafer

Councilmember | Place No. 5

Baine Brooks

Mayor Pro Tem | Place No. 6

CITY MANAGEMENT Eric Ellwanger

Eric Strong

City Manager

Deputy City Manager

Tim Dentler

Rebecca Vice

Assistant City Manager

Assistant City Manager

YOUR ONLINE SOURCE FOR ALLEN NEWS & EVENTS

Do you have a great idea for Downtown Allen? The Downtown Steering Committee wants to hear from you!

They’re gathering data and seeking input from Allen residents to create a community vision for the revitalization of the heart of our hometown. Visit DowntownAllen.com to: • Take the short Downtown Allen survey • Add your ideas to the Downtown Allen idea wall • Find upcoming “dream building” community workshops planned for this spring Join us now to ensure your vision, feedback and ideas are considered in the final report presented to City Council later this year.

LEARN MORE & JOIN THE JOURNEY:

DowntownAllen.com

PROJECT UPDATE

NEW WATER METERS A citywide installation of Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), commonly known as “smart” water meters, will begin this summer.

Here are the answers to some of customers’ most frequently asked questions about the new system.

Why is the City switching to AMI?

There are many benefits to switching to AMI including enhanced customer service and water usage information, increased operational efficiencies, and water conservation benefits. The switch to AMI was prioritized by Allen City Council following the summer of 2019, when hot and dry weather prompted an influx of citizen questions about water meter reading, meter testing and water billing. An audit of meter reading and utility billing revealed the City’s processes were accurate, but that current metering technology did not provide the level of detail often requested by customers.

What are the benefits of “smart” water meters?

Customers will receive much greater insight into their water use habits. Hourly readings are collected and displayed in a customer portal, providing a look at water consumption in near real-time. The system also proactively reports water leaks to both utility billing staff and customers who enroll in the user portal. In addition, automated readings allow billing intervals to be set to equal lengths, rather than the current billing range that varies from 27 to 35 days.

How much will the switch to AMI cost?

The initial implementation cost of $11 million was already budgeted from the City’s Capital Improvement Program and FY22 Water and Sewer Operating and Maintenance budget. An annual operating expense of $187,000 will be offset by staff reduction of meter readers and replacement costs of mechanical meters.

How soon will new meters be installed?

Meter installations will begin in June 2022, with installations reaching a pace of 2,000-3,000 meters per month by August 2022.

By December 2023, it is estimated that every meter in Allen will be replaced with a smart meter.

How will I know when I’m getting a new meter - and how long will the process take?

Customer letters, door hanger notices and a large public information campaign will accompany the rollout of new meters. A typical meter installation will take less than one hour, with customers able to resume normal water use immediately after install.

Will I still be able to shut off my water main in the case of a burst pipe or other emergency?

Yes, the new meter lids will remain accessible using the same meter key tools that work on Allen’s current meter lids. These keys are available at local home improvement stores.

FOLLOW THE PROGRESS:

CityofAllen.org/ SmartMeters

SCAN THE QR CODE ABOVE WITH YOUR PHONE’S CAMERA

STAYING ACTIVE IN ALLEN

GET FIT, PAY ZIP!

ALLEN SENIOR RECREATION CENTER 451 ST. MARY DR. - ALLEN 214.509.4820 LifeinAllen.org/ASRC

SilverSneakers® offered by Allen Senior Recreation Center

Many Allen seniors can take advantage of free facility access and special classes as a perk of their existing health insurance! Allen Parks and Recreation is a SilverSneakers® and Optum/Renew Active partner, offering complimentary facility access to seniors who receive those benefits through their insurance company. In addition, designated classes are offered free to SilverSneakers® members. Visit or call one of our recreation centers to explore your options!

DON RODENBAUGH NATATORIUM 110 RIVERCREST BLVD. - ALLEN 214.509.4770 LifeinAllen.org/DRN

What if my insurance company doesn't participate?

Adults ages 50+ can still get an annual Allen Senior Recreation Center membership for just $5/year if they live or work in Allen. Senior membership discounts are also available for adults 50+ at Joe Farmer Recreation Center and Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium.

JOE FARMER RECREATION CENTER 1201 E. BETHANY DR. - ALLEN 214.509.4750 LifeinAllen.org/JFRC

EXPLORE ALL OUR FITNESS OPTIONS: LifeinAllen.org FIND US IN YOUR FAVORITE PLACES!

305 Century Parkway Allen, TX 75013 CityofAllen.org • 214.509.4100

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TV: Spectrum, Frontier, Grande Cable, AT&T U-Verse Live Streaming and Video on Demand: AllenTV.org

Allen in Focus is publication of the City of Allen Public and Media Relations Office. These updates are provided to residents periodically in City utility bills and LIFE in Allen Activity Guides.

Annual water system maintenance is March 1-29 You might notice a slight change to the taste or smell of your tap water in March due to a temporary change in disinfectant by Allen’s water supplier, North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).

Though your water might taste or smell different, it’s safe for drinking and bathing.

What is annual maintenance and why do we need it?

Water suppliers must keep drinking water free of disease-causing microorganisms. This requires ongoing maintenance of the pipes, tanks and towers that carry and store our water.

Allen’s water supplier, North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), uses a mixture of chlorine and ammonia to keep the distribution system clean. For four weeks each year, NTMWD removes the ammonia and uses chlorine only. This temporary change in disinfectant takes advantage of chlorine’s effectiveness at eliminating microorganisms to give our water system a deep cleaning.

Is it safe? How do we know?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creates federal water quality guidelines based on thorough, peer-reviewed research. Every treatment process used by NTMWD meets EPA safety criteria.

Thousands of tests to assure water quality are performed annually by NTMWD, the City of Allen and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These tests verify that Allen’s water meets all federal and state requirements for health and safety. The City of Allen is rated as a “Superior Water System,” the highest level possible.

Why does the water taste or smell different?

During most of the year, NTMWD uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to guard against bacteria in our water system. When ammonia is temporarily removed from the mixture, a chlorine taste and odor can become more prominent. Outdoor temperatures and overall water use also influence the reaction of chlorine to other materials in the water supply. This may cause smells and odors to fluctuate year to year.

NTMWD does not increase the amount of chlorine in the water during its four-week change in disinfectant.

Can I do anything to reduce the taste or odor?

Not everyone notices a change in the water during this period. However, those who notice the changes can reduce chlorine tastes and odors by running tap water a few minutes before using, refrigerating water in an open pitcher for several hours or installing filters on faucets. While not necessary to meet safety standards, whole-home filtration systems can also help reduce tastes and odors.

GET INVOLVED IN WATER SAFETY Report Leaks & Contamination

If you notice a water/sewer leak or see someone pouring chemicals, lawn waste or other debris into a creek or storm drain, call 214.509.4530 to make a report.

Learn More About The EPA website contains well-organized information about water quality. Type in Water Quality “EPA Water Quality” into your favorite search engine or visit EPA.gov/wqs-tech to find it.

Influence EPA Regulations

Citizens can comment on pending or proposed regulations by accessing information and submitting comments at Regulations.gov. You can also sign up for email alerts about pending regulations on this website.

Make An Environmental Complaint

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforces environmental laws and regulations. If you want to learn more about the enforcement process or make a complaint, call 888.777.3186 or visit TCEQ.texas.gov/compliance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

CityofAllen.org/SafeWater

Find annual water quality reports, water safety resources, and information on sampling and testing.