Strong Warning: New Water Meters Could Impact Your Health if You Have Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)
Water companies are increasingly installing new water meters that use wireless technology to transmit data. While this may offer convenience, these meters can pose serious health risks for individuals with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS). Even if the meter isn’t specifically labeled “smart,” it can still emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs), potentially triggering symptoms in those sensitive to EMFs.
Even non-smart meters emit EMFs during monthly data collection. Water companies often send trucks to activate all nearby meters for about 15 minutes each month, causing them to emit EMFs. For those with EHS, this brief exposure can lead to significant discomfort, including headaches, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
1. Insist on Opting Out: Be persistent about opting out of the new meter installation. You have the right to protect your health. Many individuals with EHS have successfully opted out by firmly requesting to keep their old, non-EMF-emitting meters. Don’t let pressure from the water company deter you.
2. Request Non-Emitting Meters: Non-EMF-emitting meters are still available. Contact your water company and inform them that you are opting out of the new meter. Request one of these safer, non-emitting alternatives to minimize your exposure.
3. Minimize Exposure: Even if you have a non-emitting meter, your neighbors may still have EMF-emitting ones. During monthly readings, the utility company’s equipment may activate nearby meters, causing them to emit EMFs. If possible, find out when these readings occur and consider leaving your home during that 15-minute period to reduce exposure.
4. Be Persistent: Your health should always be a priority. Regardless of the pressure or information from the water company, continue to advocate for your right to a safer environment.
Water companies, such as EPCOR, often reassure customers by stating that AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) meters use radio frequencies in the microwave range of 450 MHz – 2.4 GHz. This is the same range used by Wi-Fi routers, laptops, cell phones, cordless phones, and other household devices that communicate wirelessly. According to the water company, AMR meters create significantly less microwave emissions because they only transmit small amounts of data for very short durations, unlike other household devices that frequently transmit when powered on or in use. They also argue that the power of emitted radio signals drops off exponentially with distance, suggesting that meters mounted outside the home cause less exposure than wireless devices inside the home, like cell phones and laptops, which are often used close to the body.
For individuals with EHS, these assurances are often inadequate. Even small, intermittent EMF emissions can trigger symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and cognitive issues. Many EHS sufferers have invested significant time and resources into remediating their homes to create safe environments, free from EMF exposure. The introduction of these new meters can disrupt this safe space, leading to health setbacks and distress.
Your Health Comes First
It's essential to stay informed and proactive about these changes. Don’t accept the installation of new meters without fully understanding their impact, especially if you have EHS. Take action to opt out, request non-emitting alternatives, and protect your well-being. Your health is worth fighting for.
