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1. What is AMI technology?

Advanced Metering Infrastructure, more commonly known as AMI, allows water meters to be read remotely. With the capability of offering near real-time data, AMI will enable you to view up-to-date water usage at any time during the billing cycle.

2. What are the benefits of AMI for me?

The AMI system will allow ACWD to further enhance current customer service and make available new services like leak alerts, online access to timely usage measurements and usage alerts to prevent surprise bills. This new class of meter reading technology will enable customers to better monitor and manage their water usage.

3. What does the AMI project mean for me?

In the coming years, ACWD will begin to upgrade our current water meters with new, modern AMI-compatible meters. To accomplish this, ACWD will need to replace the meter currently serving your home or business requiring a short outage. This process is quick and easy. ACWD has selected an AMI technology that provides balance between customer service and responsible investment.

4. Why does ACWD need to upgrade my current water meter?

In order to bring you these new AMI services and capabilities, your current water meter will need to be upgraded to one that it is AMI compatible. Many of the meters we have in service now are nearing the end of their useful life and will need to be replaced in the coming years anyway. By replacing them with AMI compatible meters, we can enhance current customer service offerings and make available new and enhanced services like leak alerts, timely usage measurements and usage alerts to prevent surprise bills.

5. Why is ACWD doing this AMI Project now?

The implementation of AMI technology will help the District continue to improve the cost-effectiveness and value of District services. Additionally, ACWD is committed to outstanding customer service and promoting open communication with our customers, and AMI technology will further improve our ability to do just that. The District also has a long-standing commitment to stewardship of water resources and the environment, and AMI technology will also advance that tradition by further reducing the environmental impacts of our operations.

6. When will my water meter be upgraded? How will I know?

ACWD will upgrade meters in phases over the next three years. The first meters will be upgraded in March 2021, however the District and the AMI Deployment Contractor, Badger Meter Inc, are still finalizing the specific meter upgrade sequence. More details regarding phasing will be shared publicly and with you directly prior to installation.

7. Will I need to do anything to sign up to receive my AMI meter upgrade?

No. You will be notified before and after the AMI meter is installed, but you don’t need to sign-up to receive the new meter.

8. Have other water districts implemented AMI?

Locally, Dublin San Ramon Services District, City of Pleasanton, City of Hayward, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and many others have adopted AMI technology in recent years. Hundreds of utility districts across North America have adopted AMI technology for their meter infrastructure needs. This technology has been approved for use in California since 2006 and has become the standard for water meter reading technology.

9. Is there a cost associated with these AMI improvements?

There is no additional cost to customers for upgrading our meters. The AMI improvements have been fully budgeted in the District’s long term financial plan. Furthermore, because meters that can be read remotely greatly reduce vehicle and other expenses, the District expects the AMI improvements to save money over the long term.

10. Will my information be secure?

Yes. Preserving the security of our customers’ data and personal information is one of ACWD’s top priorities. The AMI system will feature advanced encryption technologies that will keep your data safe.

11. Is AMI technology safe?

Yes. As your neighbor, ACWD takes great pride in providing safe drinking water to the communities we serve. The District would never undertake a project that could be harmful to the health or privacy of the members of our community and we will do everything in our power to ensure that this project is no different.

12. Is AMI technology a wise investment?

Yes. The District has evaluated AMI and found that the return on investment will save money for the District over time while also enhancing the value and customer service the District provides.

13. How can I learn more about the AMI project?

To learn more about ACWD’s AMI Project, visit www.acwd.org/ami or contact ACWD Project Manager, Ben Egger, here: contact. contact.

14. Will the AMI technology attach to the current manually read meter or will it be placed somewhere else on residents’ property?

Many of our meters are approaching the end of life and are not AMI compatible, so we will be upgrading the meters at these locations. The AMI device will attach to the meter in the meter box and be mounted to the underside of a new lid that will be installed as part of the meter replacement project.

15. How does the new AMI technology work, and how will the meters be read?

The AMI technology employs a device that utilizes the cellular network, just like your mobile phone and also found in televisions and wireless home phones. This technology allows meters to be read remotely giving customers daily access to their water consumption data. Not only do the AMI device’s radio frequency (RF) waves fall below the level of what is recommended by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), they are also less powerful than any mobile phone. Additionally, the AMI technology inside your water meter is located outside your house, which reduces contact with the RF waves.

16. How will we be able to recognize the AMI technology installers? Will they be wearing ACWD uniforms?

ACWD has partnered with Badger Meter and Professional Meters, Inc (PMI) to install the AMI devices. PMI has successfully installed more than 1 million integrated meters, just like the ones you will be receiving, and are highly skilled at the installation process.

The PMI installation team will carry a letter for our customers that will explain their work on the new meters. The PMI and ACWD Advanced Meter logos will be on their uniforms, badges, and on their trucks. You will be able to recognize the PMI installation team, as they will wear a distinct uniform that includes a:

•  Neon green T-shirt with the PMI logo and the ACWD Advanced Metering logo
•  PMI badge displaying the ACWD Advanced Metering logo and including

• Their name;
• Photo;
• Issue Date;
• And a number to call to confirm their identity.