Highland Park City Council Approves Plans for New Water Meters: What Residents Need to Know

City of Highland Park Municipal Building, Image courtesy of Highland Park Highland Park City Council unanimously approved a major plan on Monday night to replace the city’s aging water meters with advanced digital models. This move promises to improve billing accuracy, increase efficiency, and empower residents with real-time water usage data. The council’s approval covers three critical resolutions outlining the project’s logistics, funding strategies, and a comprehensive community outreach effort. The current water meters in Highland Park have been in place for decades, with many reaching the end of their expected lifespan. Outdated technology has led to inaccurate readings and inefficiencies in the billing process. In response to these challenges, city officials began exploring the need for an overhaul nearly two years ago. Monday’s vote marks a crucial step forward in addressing these issues. Councilman Khursheed Ash-Shafii asked Damon L. Garrett, Director of the Highland Park Water Department, questions concerning the process, as residents have been highly concerned about whether the master water meters will actually take place. In October 2023, Highland Park and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) settled and moved toward a renewed partnership, and a proposed settlement introduced three key pillars to resolve longstanding disputes. The...