How Arlington's water use is measured is getting ready to change, and town officials expect to save money.

In February, the town signed a contract with Itron of Liberty Lake, Wash. The company's Water SaveSource aims to end collecting meter readings monthly and allows the ability to collect incremental meter reads wirelessly.

The company says that means Arlington officials will have a closer focus on residents' water use. That permits off-cycle meter reads and faster bill reconciliation. Access to such data may also support water conservation efforts, as it tracks water loss and detects leaks.

"Initially, we expect to save approximately $95,000 in labor costs," Town Engineer Michael W. Rademacher wrote in an e-mail.

The savings will come because the system works without having to have an employee visit each house to get a meter reading.

"There will also be more efficiency in getting meter data to the treasurer's office for billing," he wrote.

Rademacher said that, down the road, the system can be expanded to help detect leaks in the town's distribution system. When that occurs, the town would reduce lost water.

John Bean, director of the department of public works, wrote in an e-mail Feb. 24 that the April 2006 Town Meeting appropriated $2 million for conversion to automated meter reading System as well as replacing the worst meters in town.

"We hope installation will be completed in the next nine or 10 months," he wrote.

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority provides wholesale water and sewer services to Arlington and is working with its member communities to increase water conservation and minimize waste-water flows.

After Water SaveSource is deployed to about 12,500 customers, Arlington will benefit from the system’s two-way capability via time-synchronized meter data and be able to interrogate the meter without mobilizing personnel.

“As a new customer to Itron, we are excited about Arlington’s commitment to active water management through the meter,” said Lou Gust, vice president of water sales and marketing for Itron, in a news release.

“Their focus on water conservation and helping to extend the life of existing infrastructure while decreasing the need for additional water resources is to be commended and we are very pleased to be their partner of choice.”

Itron Inc. says it provides intelligent metering to nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide. Its products include electricity, gas, water and heat meters, data collection and communication systems.