(Portland, ME) -- The Portland Water District is preparing to replace nearly all of its 55-thousand meters, many of which are more than 20 years old and no longer working properly. The upgrades will allow for remote readings and give customers near real-time access to their water usage. Installations, handled by Core & Main and VEPO Metering, will begin in October in Gorham and take about three years to complete. Officials say the process will take roughly an hour per home and will not cost customers extra.