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Automated Metering Infrastructure Project

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The City is working to enhance our customer service offerings by implementing Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Automated metering infrastructure is a system of meters, communication networks, and software that transfers water use information and service alerts over a secure, wireless network to a central database. This information is used to prepare water bills, analyze water use trends, provide customers with hourly water use information, and notify customers of potential leaks.

This project began in 2014 with the Water Meter Replacement Program, in which all of the City’s water meters were replaced with new, AMI compatible meters. The City has entered the next phase of the project, which includes installing radio transmitting devices on the existing meters and data collection points at several locations throughout the City's water service area. This infrastructure enables the City to automatically deliver hourly meter reading information back to the City’s systems through a safe and secure signal. This system is similar to the gas and electric AMI meters that our customers already have on their property. Additionally, this project will include online access for water customers to understand and manage their water usage data on a regular basis. The rollout of the online customer portal, WaterSmart, is currently anticipated in early 2024.

Sections

How AMI Works Customer Benefits

The Meter – Existing water meters are connected to an AMI radio device.

The Communications Network – The radio device connected to the meter delivers usage information securely over a radio network to the City.

The Water Utility Office – The City uses the meter readings and alerts to support monthly billing and respond quicker to service disruptions.

The Customer – Access to the online customer portal, WaterSmart, allows customers to view and monitor hourly water use, leak alerts, and make more informed decisions regarding conservation efforts.

Customer Service
Hourly meter readings and daily updates allow the City to address customer concerns quicker and answer questions more effectively with the increased insight that AMI provides.

Convenience
Customers have 24/7 access to online tools and information to manage their water use through the online customer portal.

Text and Email Alerts
Alerts can notify customers about leaks, tailored notifications can be created for high bills or unplanned use.

Conservation & Cost Control
Customers can receive both water usage and monetary alerts before their bill is generated, allowing them to manage the amount they pay for water use throughout their billing period.

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What is automated metering infrastructure (AMI)?

Automated metering infrastructure (also called advanced metering infrastructure) is a system of meters, communication networks, and software that transfers water usage information and service alerts over a secure, wireless network to a central database. This information is used to prepare water bills, analyze water usage trends, provide customers with hourly water usage information, and notify customers of potential leaks.

How will AMI improve my water service?

The AMI project will enhance the City’s ability to provide you with safe and reliable water service through upgraded water metering technology. AMI will allow the City to provide timely responses to service issues and grant you access to hourly water usage information, alerts, and tools to make more informed decisions about your water usage. Rather than your meter being read monthly by City staff coming to the meter box, it will be read wirelessly every day via a radio device and receiver and the usage data will be available to you daily via our new customer portal.

What is the difference between AMI and the Flume device?

The City’s AMI system is City-wide, will provide hourly water usage data, and will transmit once a day. The City will install and maintain all AMI infrastructure. Water meter readings captured through the AMI system will be used for water billing.

Flume is essentially a personal AMI for your home. The Flume device is installed by the customer, uses your Wi-Fi connection, and will occasionally require you to change the battery. Your Flume will give you quicker info (real time) as well as more granular data (usage every minute). The City does not use Flume data for water billing purposes. Having a Flume will not interfere with the AMI system, and vice versa. Both have great features for providing leak notification and understanding water use patterns.

Flume Rebate

Will AMI interfere with my home electronics?

Are the water meter radio devices safe?

Yes. The radio devices, which are attached to the meters and transfer the service data, do not exceed health and safety standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for energy emission levels. The energy exposure from an automated meter’s radio signal or radio frequency (RF) is significantly less than common household devices, including cell phones, laptops, microwaves, baby monitors and internet routers. It is also important to understand that automated meters only transmit signals four times a day for less than a fraction of a second each time, unlike household devices that often transmit continuously, such as those in the image below.