Gurnee replacing water meter communication devices

If you're a Gurnee resident who's noticed public works trucks in your neighborhood more lately, it's because the village has kicked off a multiyear program to replace all Orion communication devices in the community with a modernized unit.

The Orion device transmits data from water meters to the village to record usage. Current meters have a short range that requires crews to drive through neighborhoods to collect meter data, but the updated devices will communicate water data in real time via a cellular network.

This will allow residents to get live updates on their water consumption and identify any leaks or spikes in usage.

The replacements will occur over four years. Almost all current Orion devices are located on the exterior of homes, so replacement will not require an appointment. If a device is located inside or if there are issues prohibiting an exterior change out, the resident will be notified by a door tag of the need to set up a time when we a public works staff member enter the home.

In the near future, residents will be able to set up an online account or download the EyeOnWater app to monitor their water usage and/or set thresholds for text or email alerts.