2017 Water Utilities Consumer Confidence Report 2017 Water Utilities Consumer Confidence Report | Page 5

AMI project hits milestone in 2018
Arlington Water Utilities’ 10-year plan for installing automated metering infrastructure, or (AMI),
throughout the city hits the halfway mark in spring 2018. As of March 30, 2018, 54,202 AMI
units were being used in homes, schools, and businesses throughout the city. AMI technology
helps customers keep better tabs on their day-to-day water usage and make adjustments when
necessary. It also improves the accuracy of water billing. Below are answers to some questions
that residents have when an AMI is installed in their homes.
What is an AMI meter? AMI stands for
Advanced Metering Infrastructure. AMI uses
communication technology to allow meters
to be read remotely. The AMI system transmits
these readings over a private, secure and
licensed radio network. Only the meter
reading and the unique meter identifier are
transmitted. No customer information is
transmitted with the reading.
Why are the traditional meters being
replaced? AMI meters represent a significant
improvement over previous metering
technology. AMI brings savings in employee
and vehicle costs, improves accuracy, and
eliminates a need for in-person first time and
final meter readings. By producing daily and
hourly information, AMI allows our staff to
help customers troubleshoot billing concerns
and improve conservation efforts by providing
information about consumption patterns.
Will a meter reader still need to visit to read
the meter? Arlington Water Utilities staff will
not be on site to read meters monthly.
Is my AMI meter accurate? By ordinance, all
meters must meet the accuracy test guidelines
of the American Water Works Association
when installed and are guaranteed by the
manufacturers. Please note that new meters
typically measure usage more accurately and
this may result in a higher billed consumption.
Installation of an advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI, unit takes
about 30 minutes. Customers are notified by mail and with a door hanger.
Arlington Water and UT Arlington deliver large
diameter main assessments
A unique collaboration between Arlington
Water Utilities and The University of Texas at
Arlington is already saving residents millions in
avoided costs associated with wastewater services.
Replacing sanitary sewer mains that need it before
they fail prevents emergencies that can have
environmental health consequences and cost 10
times as much as preventative measures. The Large
Diameter Sanitary Sewer Assessment Project started
in 2016 with a goal of examining about 48 miles of
large diameter sanitary sewer main with a multi-
sensor robot that uses sonar, lasers and images.
The team of engineers, field crews, GIS
technicians,
students and
professors finished
their assessments
in early 2018. The
data they have
collected will help
them make smart,
cost-effective
replacement
decisions and
keep Arlington’s infrastructure strong.
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