Ogdensburg plans shift to metered residential water billing

Ogdensburg officials have decided to install water meters for residential customers, changing the city’s current flat-rate billing system to one based on water use. The meters are expected to cost about $6 million, with a state grant covering half the project cost.

Businesses in the city already have water meters. Residential installation is expected to take at least a couple of years. City officials are still considering whether to combine the meter project with a planned water treatment plant upgrade or complete it separately.

Officials have said metering could help the city qualify for grant funding and encourage lower water use. Residential customers would continue to pay a minimum fee, while households using significantly more water would pay more.