Mount Prospect allows residents to opt out of new water meters

Mount Prospect residents who want to opt out of the village's new automated water meter reading system can do so under an ordinance passed this week by the village board.

The ordinance includes a clause giving the small number of residents who have expressed concerns about the new meters two alternatives.

The first option allows them to pay an extra $60 to have a new meter installed outside their home instead of inside.

The second option would allow residents to go without an automated meter altogether, and instead have a device installed outside the home that would require a monthly reading. That, however, would mean a $14.57 monthly fee for the resident.

The village has installed 11,401 new water meters that transmit readings wirelessly via radio frequency to a computer system that issues bills. The project, which cost the village about $2 million, should mean more accurate and efficient readings, officials say.

About 20 residents have expressed concerns with the meters, citing either fears about the harmful effects of radio waves or security concerns related to the transmission of personal information, Public Works Director Sean Dorsey said.

However, the village is confident the devices present no health or security risks, he said.

"Nevertheless, we certainly respect someone's desire to limit their exposure to these types of radio frequencies inside their own home," Dorsey added.

Trustee Paul Hoefert said he supports the village giving "conscientious objectors" the opportunity to opt out.

"Science today would say that it's not an issue, and we could debate it all night long, but there are probably more (radio frequency) waves in the air than is generated by this," he said. "But they had said that about lead pipes too, at the turn of the last century, so who knows."