It's been just over eight months since the City of Portage la Prairie went online with digital water meters in homes and businesses.

It's also been almost that long since some residents have seen a water bill, due to software problems with the new units.

However, bills went out recently to Area 2, between Saskatchewan Avenue and the railway tracks, and Area 3, north of the tracks.

Waterworks Committee Chair Wayne Wall they're now focusing on Area 1, south of Saskatchewan Avenue, where some manual readings are being done.

"There's the odd meter that isn't transmitting properly. There a couple of meters where we might have had the wrong transponder number. So there are about 60 that we have to do that on in Area 1, out of 1800 meters, so not that many. And once we have those straightened out, we'll be fine for the next time."

Wall won't commit to when the process will be finished, but says there's a sense of relief at City Hall to be close.

"There certainly is for me, and I know the mood at City Hall is much more relaxed. There was some confusion at first, there was a lot of pressure, because the public were on the telephone, and at the counter, almost daily. It was tough, and they've worked through that, and things are going well."

He adds their experience is aiding other municipalities.

"We're actually helping other communities that are looking at doing the same thing, and telling them what to watch for, and how to prepare for doing this job. They've been calling us and saying 'we're looking at doing this, should we do it, and what would you advise us to do, and how,' and we're helping."

Wall says once everything's done, billing will return to a three month cycle, although it might not be the same as the previous cycle.

Here's what the new water bill looks like.