Water Meter Upgrades

How AMI Modernizes Water Utility Services

AMI represents a significant leap forward in how utilities manage and deliver essential water services. At its core, AMI is an integrated system of smart water meters, communications infrastructure and data management systems that will modernize the city’s water utility. Unlike the existing system, which requires technicians to collect meter readings manually, AMI enables two-way communication between the utilities and consumers, allowing daily collection of accurate, detailed water usage data. With access to this information, AMI opens new possibilities for efficiency, convenience, and informed water management.

Source: U.S. EPA WaterSense.

Benefits of AMI for the Community

Upgrading to AMI offers multiple benefits that will positively impact residents.

• Enhanced accuracy: AMI virtually eliminates estimated bills and meter reading errors, ensuring that you are billed only for the water you actually use.
• Real-time usage information: With AMI, residents have access to up-to-date usage data, empowering you to monitor your consumption patterns and make informed choices about your water usage.
• Faster outage and leak detection: The system can automatically detect disruptions or unusual water use patterns, allowing for rapid identification and response to outages or leaks.
• Better customer service: With more accurate and timely data, our customer service team can address your questions and concerns more efficiently.

What Residents Can Expect

The transition to AMI is designed to be as smooth and transparent as possible. There is nothing you need to do. Here is an overview of what you can expect as AMI is introduced into our community.

• Advance notification: Residents will receive ample notice before the installation of upgraded meters begins. Notification will include the installation schedule, information about the process and contact details for any questions.
• Professional installation: Qualified technicians will remove existing meters and install the new meters. You will be informed once the meter replacement is complete.
• Minimal disruption: The meter replacement usually takes less than an hour and, in most cases, does not require residents to be present. If access to your property is needed, appointments will be scheduled at your convenience.
• Security and privacy: Data collected by AMI systems is transmitted securely, ensuring that your personal information remains protected.

Future Plans for AMI

The city is soliciting vendors to provide the upgraded meters, communications network and installation services.

The adoption of Advanced Metering Infrastructure marks an exciting step forward for the City of Rockville. This is more than just an upgrade; it’s an investment in our city, ensuring that our community remains efficient, sustainable and prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

As we modernize our utility services, we are committed to keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. Come back to this page to access up-to-date information on the status of the project.