Lake Jackson's City Council meeting on August 4, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in the city's water meter management system, promising improved efficiency and potential revenue growth. The council received a comprehensive report from water management expert Jim Smith, who has been analyzing the city's metering system since early 2025.

Smith's findings revealed that Lake Jackson has been grappling with substantial water loss, primarily due to outdated and inaccurate meters. He noted that over 3,000 meters in the system have exceeded ten years of age, leading to frequent failures and unaccounted water usage. The city has already begun replacing these old meters with modern static meters, which are expected to enhance accuracy and reliability.

The report indicated that the city has replaced approximately 2,200 meters since January, which has already shown a positive impact. The percentage of unaccounted water dropped from 27% to 22% in recent months, suggesting that the new meters are beginning to yield results. Smith emphasized the financial implications of these improvements, noting that every gallon of water lost due to metering inaccuracies translates to lost revenue for the city.

In addition to the meter replacements, Smith's analysis included a detailed breakdown of water usage across different account types. He pointed out that while 20% of accounts are classified as low-use, a small percentage of high-use accounts consume a significant portion of the city's water supply. This insight will help the city focus its efforts on monitoring and managing its largest consumers.

The council's commitment to upgrading the metering system reflects a proactive approach to water management, aiming to enhance conservation efforts and ensure accurate billing. As the city continues to implement these changes, residents can expect improved service and potentially lower costs associated with water production and distribution. The ongoing efforts in water meter management are set to play a crucial role in Lake Jackson's future sustainability and financial health.