Water Meter Replacements and Cross‑Connection Inspections Continue

The City of Mt. Pleasant is working with technicians from HydroCorp to complete the second year of two important water system updates for properties within the city limits. These updates include cross‑connection inspections and the installation of new, upgraded water meters.

These inspections and water meter installations are required and are provided at no cost to residents. HydroCorp will not charge customers for either service. To ensure continued water service, all properties must participate in the new water meter installation program when scheduled.

This work is being completed in phases over multiple years, and not all properties are scheduled for 2026. Only properties selected for this phase of the program will be contacted this year.

Checking for potential cross connections

A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where substances such as chemicals or irrigation water could accidentally come into contact with the potable (safe) drinking water supply. These connections are most commonly found at outside hose connections or residential irrigation systems.

Exterior inspections have been completed throughout the city in recent years. In many cases, a previous inspection may satisfy current requirements. However, all water meters still need to be replaced.

Replacing all water meters within the city limits with advanced digital meters

The City is replacing existing meters with advanced digital water meters that offer improved accuracy and greater insight into water use.

Features include:

  • Efficient remote meter readings
  • Access to water consumption history
  • Notifications and alerts
  • Optional phone app to monitor water usage and system operation

HydroCorp technicians will need to enter residences to complete the installation. All personnel will be clearly identifiable by a HydroCorp company shirt and official identification badge.

The water meter installation typically takes less than 45 minutes.

HydroCorp Letter

Only customers who are scheduled for this phase of the program will receive a letter from HydroCorp. If your water meter was replaced during the 2025 phase of the program, you will not receive a letter and no additional action is needed at this time.

A letter from HydroCorp with instructions for scheduling a water meter installation appointment will be mailed to customers selected for this phase.

Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Customers may choose from three time blocks:

  • Four-hour window from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Four-hour window from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Two-hour window from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Please note that multiple customers may be scheduled during the same time window, and technicians may arrive at varying times within that block.

Cross Connection Inspections to Begin on Residential Properties

A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance, such as a chemical, to come into contact with the potable (safe) drinking water supply. Most cross connections occur beyond the customer’s service connection, within residential, commercial, institutional or industrial plumbing systems.

Michigan’s Safe Drinking Water Act protects drinking water and prevents cross connections that may pose a hazard to the potable water supply. In the past, the Water Department has focused its efforts on addressing cross connections at commercial and industrial properties due to their greater risk for potential contaminants. While these inspections will continue, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is now requiring inspections of potential cross connections with residential properties. Most residential cross connections are found at a home’s exterior hose bib connection (your outside hose connection), or with a residential irrigation system.

At the end of May Hydrocorp, the entity conducting the exterior residential inspections, will be sending letters to some residents to inform them when their property will be inspected. Residential inspections will be completed in phases over a multi-year process. Underground irrigation systems will likely need to have their backflow prevention device tested. If so, the property owner will be notified.