10 chapters across the catalog
Austin Water is replacing 250,000 analog water meters with "smart meters" that transmit data wirelessly. While officials claim the system is secure from hacking due to encryption, the primary concern raised is the ability for authorities to track real-time usage patterns. Customers who opt out of the smart meter program are required to pay a $75 one-time fee and a $10 monthly surcharge to cover manual meter reading costs.
California Drought Restrictions, WET Program Implementation
The California Water Resources Control Board is tasked with replacing 50 million square feet of lawns with drought-tolerant landscapes and implementing the Water Energy Technology (WET) program. New regulations prohibit the use of potable water for ornamental turf and encourage the use of "smart meters" to monitor residential water consumption.
Netherlands Power Outage, Irish Water Meter Debacle
A massive power outage in the northern Netherlands reveals the vulnerability of a cashless society, as citizens were unable to purchase fuel or groceries without electronic payments. In Ireland, the ongoing "water debacle" continues as citizens protest the installation of smart meters and new laws allowing the government to deduct water charges directly from bank accounts.
Water Metering and Property Rights in Washington
New regulations in Washington State require the installation of $1,000 telemetric meters on private wells, limiting domestic water use to 500 gallons per day. This is framed as an extension of "Agenda 21" sustainability goals and a challenge to the traditional concept of land ownership.
Agenda 21, Water Well Meters in Washington State
A listener report from Washington State claims that authorities are requiring meters on private water wells as part of "sustainability" initiatives. The hosts link this directly to the UN's Agenda 21 program. They promise a more detailed investigation into how local governments are charging citizens for their own well water.
Smart Meter Scams, California Utility Costs, Rainwater Taxes
John Dvorak describes his electricity bill doubling to $1,000 after the installation of a wireless smart meter. The hosts discuss the "scam" of outsourcing utility collection to third parties. Adam Curry notes he is being charged a "sewer tax" based on the number of days it rains, effectively taxing rainwater.
Residents in Atlanta and other U.S. cities report astronomical water bills, some exceeding $10,000, following the installation of "smart" meters. Despite city inspectors finding no leaks, residents are held responsible for the charges. The hosts characterize the smart meter rollout as a coordinated scam by private companies to overcharge consumers through automated collection systems.
Automated Water Meters, VSI Meter Services and Smart Grids
Cities are replacing traditional water meters with automated wireless versions that allow utilities to monitor usage in detail and shut off service remotely. VSI Meter Services is identified as a major contractor for these "smart grid" initiatives. The hosts express concern over the loss of privacy and encourage tech-savvy listeners to investigate ways to jam or hack the devices.
The City of Toronto is implementing a mandatory automated water meter program using technology from Alclara. The hosts warn that these meters allow for two-way communication, enabling the city to remotely shut off a resident's water supply without entering the home. The system operates on a 450 MHz frequency with a one-mile range.
International Travel Logistics, UK Water and Sewage Billing
Travel between San Francisco, Amsterdam, and London resulted in a significant accumulation of physical mail and administrative tasks. A specific grievance is raised regarding UK utility billing, where customers are charged for both incoming water and an equivalent volume of wastewater. A six-month bill totaling 191 pounds is analyzed for its estimated usage metrics.
