Tempe's water meters feature an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) which will provide the remote technology enabling real time meter reading. Below is a basic design and flow of an AMI system.

The major components of the system and their function are as follows:

Endpoint – attached to each meter; transmits hourly read data to collectors or repeaters

Repeaters – attached to either street lights or buildings/structures; receives data transmissions from endpoints and then transmits to collectors

Collectors – attached to either street lights or building/structures; receives data transmissions directly from endpoints or from repeaters and then transmits to meter data management system (MDMS)

MDMS – receives data transmissions from collectors; stores and analyzes meter data for reporting; provides monthly billable read to the utility billing system; also provides meter data to both customer and Customer Service staff portals

AMI Meters have many benefits: 

• Consistent billing cycles
• Accurate bills 
• Fast response times
• Early leak detection
• Enhanced transparency 
• Increased efficiency/control of water system management

Encourages conservation
• User dashboards (portals) help customers monitor and reduce consumption
• Early leak detection
• Reduced truck rolls
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Collection of water metrics that will enhance city’s ability to achieve conservation goals 

Other important benefits include significantly improved employee safety and the ability to be more proactive with our preventative maintenance program for our water system infrastructure.

You are not able to opt out using this type of meter. 

Read the full Council presentation on the new metering system for more information.