Sarasota County’s Public Utilities has contracted Vanguard Utility Service to upgrade existing water meters throughout unincorporated Sarasota County within the next four years. This upgrade will allow our staff to read your water meter using the latest technology.

Sarasota County Public Utilities staff are also performing change-outs throughout the county.

Sarasota County is upgrading to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter reading technology from our current Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) Meter technology. This allows our staff to read meters using cellular technology.

Water meters typically have a life expectancy of 10-15 years, depending on battery life. Sarasota County Public Utilities staff perform change outs when needed, typically within this time frame. During this current change out cycle, staff are utilizing this new and improved technology.

Residents who have received a letter already can expect this to occur within the next four weeks. This countywide project will continue in additional areas after and is planned to be completed within the next four years. Sarasota County Public Utilities is changing all 100,000 customer meters throughout the county.

All Sarasota County Public Utilities customers will receive a meter change out, if they have not already.

No. Residents can expect that their water will be shut off for about 15 minutes.  When the work is completed, a door hanger will be left at the resident’s property with a phone number that customers can call if they should have any issues. Customers do not need to boil water or be home during the time that the work is performed.

This will not affect or disrupt residents.

Yes, residents can expect to be contacted by Vanguard via postcard no more than 30 days in advance and no less than 7 days in advance of their service. This will be the window as to when the meter will be changed out. Residents will receive a door hanger when service has been completed.

Vanguard Utility Staff will be wearing bright yellow clothing and will have a Vanguard Utility decal on their vehicle. Vanguard Utility staff members will never need to enter your home or ask you for any personal information.