In Barnegat Light, the lifeguard stands are repainted, the beach entrance mats are ready to roll out, seasonal borough boat slips are all rented, the plumbing is turned back on in the public restrooms … and town residents got their first water bills on the new state-required digital metering system.

“Every livable abode is going to be paying base rates,” said Councilwoman Mary Ellen Foley, who chairs council’s Water-Sewer Committee.