Lake Forest’s Water Meter Upgrade to Bring Smarter Service to Residents

By Helena Kavanagh Some Lake Forest residents will soon notice a new item in their homes, and while the upgrade may be small in size, it marks a major leap in the City’s infrastructure and customer service. This fall, the City of Lake Forest will launch its Water Meter Replacement Program, introducing smart water technology to every home over the next four years.

The initiative is rooted in both necessity and innovation.

Rich Volpe (standing, center) and his team are excited to work with an innovative and more efficient water-meter system. “The existing water meters were installed in 2004, and after 20 years of service, they’ve reached the end of their useful life,” said Assistant Public Works Director Jim Lockefeer. “Many are experiencing failing batteries that are now obsolete and unavailable. This is a very important project to replace outdated and failing infrastructure.”

The City’s solution? A full rollout of Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), a wireless smart metering system that will enhance water tracking, billing accuracy, and overall service for both the City and its residents. These new meters transmit real-time water usage data directly to the City’s system and eliminate the need for in-person or drive-by readings.

“This upgrade means residents will have access to a secure online portal where they can track their usage, receive alerts for unusual activity, and make better decisions about water conservation,” said Rich Volpe, the City’s Water and Sewer Supervisor. “It’s about providing better service, helping residents spot leaks faster, and making sure every drop counts.”

From an operations standpoint, this upgrade also marks a major efficiency gain. “Currently, a Water and Sewer Section employee drives around collecting meter data using a radio receiver,” Lockefeer noted. “With the new system, those hours can now be redirected toward other high-priority services. It’s a big step forward for our operations.”

Over the next four years, the City will be replacing water meters one neighborhood at a time.  Residents will be notified by mail when it's time to schedule their meter replacement. “The process is designed to be simple and secure,” said Volpe. Once you receive your letter, you can book an appointment online or by calling the number listed. The appointment takes about 30 minutes, and someone 18 or older needs to be home.

The installations will be handled by United Meters Inc. (UMI), a firm with deep roots in the industry and a history of success in Lake Forest. “United Meters was the City’s installation contractor in 2004, and more recently completed similar projects in Lake Bluff, Deerfield, and across the Chicagoland area,” Lockefeer explained. “They’re licensed, professional, and experienced.”

To ensure resident safety, all UMI installers undergo background checks reviewed by the Lake Forest Police Department. Installers will always carry photo ID, be licensed plumbers, and drive clearly marked vehicles.

“A significant amount of time and coordination goes into safety and security when planning a project of this nature,” Lockefeer said. “Having a proven contracting firm like UMI handling the installations is a major benefit.” If you want to verify a worker’s presence in your neighborhood, you can call UMI at (877) 533-8964 or contact Public Works at (847) 810-3570.

“This is a City-funded project; there are no direct costs to residents,” Volpe emphasized. “It’s a long-term investment in reliability and service that aligns with the City’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.” Specifically, the effort supports the Strategic Plan’s Infrastructure & City Facilities priority, which calls for investment in infrastructure that is “safe, reliable, and capable of meeting current and future needs.”

The upgraded system will also integrate with the City’s existing leak detection equipment, helping to streamline operations, reduce water loss, and improve the accuracy of billing and record-keeping, all while helping Lake Forest comply with state conservation regulations.

When asked what excites him most about the program, Volpe didn’t hesitate. “It’s a win for everyone, better service for residents, better tools for staff, and more sustainable water management for the City. We’re modernizing a critical system while increasing efficiency, transparency, and trust.”

For more information, visit cityoflakeforest.com/WaterMeterReplacementProgram or call Rich Volpe, Water & Sewer Supervisor at (847) 810-3570.