Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)

Purpose?

Customers of Lakehaven Water and Sewer District should know that that Lakehaven will be implementing a new Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) program.  The full program will involve the replacement of all manual-read meters (approximately 35,000) with AMR meters.

What is AMR?

AMR is the remote collection of consumption data from customers’ water meters through the use of radio frequency technology.  Lakehaven will be moving away from the traditional method of meter reading, where meter readers stop at each meter to manually read and record the consumption data, to a method where the data is transmitted to an electronic device as it is driven by the meter.  

Key Benefits of AMR

• Safety: The safety of Lakehaven personnel is a high priority. AMR technology will reduce employee exposure to hazardous conditions associated with traditional meter reading.
• Efficiency: Using traditional meter reading methods, one employee can read 500-800 meters per day. With the implementation of AMR, the electronic device is anticipated to read 5,000-6,000 meters per day. Not only does this save on labor hours, it reduces associated vehicle-run-time and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Error Reduction: Human error will be reduced by minimizing manual entry of meter readings.
• Customer Service: AMR meters have the ability to record and store water usage information on a daily basis that can be used to help customers identify leaks and prevent high water bills.
• Decrease Maintenance: Lakehaven will be replacing all water meters older than five years. This will reduce maintenance issues associated with the meters in the system for the next 10-20 years.