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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. While ACWD is still evaluating AMI technology options, 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 is currently evaluating options for AMI technology to ensure the optimal 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 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 few years. While the District has yet to make specific decisions regarding when specific meters will be scheduled for an upgrade, 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.