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1. What does AMI stand for?

Automated Metering Infrastructure. With AMI the Village is able to collect interval reads on every water meter via a radio frequency channel instead of collecting one read per billing period by driving around town. 

2. Why Is the Village undertaking this project?

Water meters have an expected useful life of approximately 20 years. A significant percentage of Village meters have reached or exceeded this life span. New meters will allow for hourly readings from several centrally located reading devices, instead of the traditional drive-by method used today. This is ideal for early leak detection. 

Additionally, advanced meter systems are quickly becoming the standard for utilities around the country. These new devices allow for faster collection of water usage readings than the current manual method and improve safety conditions for Village staff. Introducing automatic meter reading as the standard for Itasca is one of the ways we can better serve our customers and improve the overall efficiency of the utility department. 

3. How will the new AMI water meter benefit me?

Some of the immediate benefits of AMI include: 

1. Village will be able to read meters on the same day each month, leading to reduced variance between billing cycles.
2. Reduced costs in labor and equipment for monthly reading and special readings. The automation of the meter reading process will no longer require Public Works Staff to drive around the entire Village to collect the necessary data. This will also reduce the Department’s carbon emissions.
3. Quicker response to customer question on water consumption. Water meter reads are currently conducted on a monthly basis. While this provides adequate data to allow for water billing, it makes the early identification of potential leaks nearly impossible. Once all AMI infrastructure is installed, meter reads can be conducted on a much more frequent basis (e.g. daily). This will allow for a much more robust collection of data over time and will help establish seasonal trends, potential leaks and a more detailed dataset for each account overall..
4. This technology will also significantly reduce water loss throughout the Village at a time when Lake Michigan water supply allocations are being closely scrutinized, and it helps promote overall water conservation.

4. Am I required to participate?

Yes, participation in this program is required.  Installation of a meter and/or the transmitting device is needed to ensure all accounts will be compatible with the new system. Your cooperation in scheduling an appointment after you receive a notification letter is appreciated. 

5. Will my service be interrupted during the meter replacement?

Normally the water meter replacement will require the water service to be interrupted during the installation of the new meter. It can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. 

6. Who will be replacing my meter and how?

In late August of 2023, residents will be contacted by our vendor to schedule their water meter replacement. All replacements will be performed by certified plumber provide by United Meter Inc. ( a subcontractor to Core and Main). Meter installers will need access to water meters, typically located in basements, utility rooms, etc. An adult (18 years of age or older) must be present while the work is completed. Residents are asked to make sure the meter is accessible prior to their appointment. The meter replacement, under normal circumstances, should be complete in approximately 30 minutes. A radio transmitter will also be installed on the exterior of the home or business. 

All installers will provide proper identification upon arrival.

7. How much will the meter replacement cost me?

There is no charge for the installation. The change-out program is being paid for by the Village.

8. Will AMI cause an increase in my utility bills?

No, water usage is primarily based on water consumption habits. You will, however, notice improved billing as the meters are designed to ensure consistent billing cycles, preventing variations in billing days. Additionally, these new meters will measure customer usage on hourly intervals instead of just once a month. This configuration provides the advantage of immediate alerts for both you and the staff if the enhanced system detects higher-than-normal water usage.

9. Does the AMI transmitter run on my home’s electricity?

No, AMI transmitters run on batteries with a 20- year lifespan. 

10. Will the transmitter interfere with televisions or phones?

No, the radio transmission operates in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices. Similar transmitters are used in current meters. However, unlike the older meters, the transmitter device will be installed on the exterior of your residence or building.

11. Is my meter data secure?

Yes, only meter consumption readings and meter identification numbers are transmitted. Personal customer information is not transmitted.