Hickory H2O
Upgrading Today for a Smarter Tomorrow
Important Utility Update: Water meter upgrades are underway.
Hickory H2O is a water meter modernization program that gives residents smarter tools to track and manage their water use. With more precise meter readings, it delivers greater transparency and ensures accurate billing, while proactive service alerts help customers stay informed and address issues before they become problems.
What This Means For You
Increased accuracy
Enhanced water management
Faster leak detection
Modernized infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Hickory is upgrading older meters to improve accuracy and reliability. The new meter allows for better leak detection, more accurate readings, and reduces the need for manual meter reading visits. Even if the current meter still works, it may be reaching the end of its certified service life.
Yes, but only temporarily. Water service is usually interrupted for approximately 15-30 minutes during the installation process. Once the new meter is installed, we’ll restore service and verify everything is operating correctly before leaving.
The goal of the new meter is accuracy—not increasing bills. In some cases, older meters slow down over time and under-register water usage. The new meter measures usage more precisely, so customers may notice changes if the previous meter was not reading accurately.
No. This is an upgrade to the City of Hickory's infrastructure.
In most cases, no. Since the meter is typically located outside, the work can usually be completed without anyone home. However, if there’s a locked gate, loose pets, accessibility issue, or indoor meter location, we may need assistance from the homeowner.
The installer will leave a door hanger after a successful installation.
Technicians from Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) are authorized by the City of Hickory to replace your existing water meter. You may also see techinicians from E Source performing quality assurance checks after your meter upgrade has been completed.
After installation, the technician checks the connections and verifies proper operation before leaving. If you notice a leak, low pressure, or any issue afterward, please contact PMI customer service immediately at 866-261-8504 (toll-free) and they'll respond as quickly as possible.
The process is quick, about 15-30 minutes per meter.
No. The cost of the meter and installation is covered by the City of Hickory as part of system upgrades.
AMI meters record water use in short intervals, often every 15 minutes, and transmit data several times a day. Customers will be able to view daily or hourly usage through a future online portal. More information will be shared once the portal becomes available.
AMI meters are designed to withstand normal weather conditions including rain, heat, and cold. Extreme conditions (like flooding) could affect performance, but they are built to be durable.
No. The meter only records total water flow into your property. It cannot identify which appliances or fixtures are using water.
If you receive a door hanger notifying you that PMI could not complete your meter upgrade due to inaccesibility, please call PMI at 866-261-8504 (toll-free) to make arrangements for PMI to access and replace your water meter. If you experience any issues after the new meter installation and need assistance, call 866-261-8504 (toll-free) to speak to a representative from PMI. If you have further questions or concerns, contact the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department at 828-323-7427.