January 2009

U.S. Water News Online

SHREVEPORT, La. — Shreveport will sell $10 million in bonds to obtain computerized meters for 3,200 large commercial water customers.

Officials say the city is losing $350,000 annually because 14 billion gallons of water get by the current meters.

Plans for the new meters were recently approved. Councilmen said they think the city may have to raise rates if it cannot pay back the bond money. Shreveport owes about $75 million for 2006 bonds to pay for water and sewer improvements.

Operational Services Director Mike Strong says the new meters will bring in enough new revenue to pay off the bonds, without raising rates.