Stratford tests new water meters

Stratford is tapping intohomesthroughout the community to monitor water usage. It's part of a pilot project as the town considers switching to water meters for every home.

Over the next year, the town will measure the water usage of 50 homes.

"What we're asking people to do is continue to use water as they always have," said Councillor Steve Ogden, whois head of the town's Water Utility Committee.

"Forget the water meter's there, and just use water as you normally would so we can have an idea of what the normal consumption rates are for different kinds of residences, different kinds of family situations, that sort of thing."

Currently, homeowners pay a flat rate no matter how much water they use.

Ogden says Town Council will consult with residents before considering a full switch to water meters.

None of the volunteers will pay the metered rate during the pilot project.