Woodlands Water has completed installation of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters for all residential and commercial customers. These AMI or “smart meters” allow customers to track their usage on an hourly, daily or monthly basis through the online WaterSmart portal. Read on for some of the benefits of AMI meters and how the data they provide can help you to detect potential water leaks, conserve water, and get better customer service.
What are the benefits of AMI meters?
1. AMI Meters Can Provide Timely Notification of Leaks
Replacing traditional water meters with data-centric AMI meters provides customers with round-the-clock readings and alerts them to potential leaks. WaterSmart is the online portal that connects you to your smart meter. With Internet access to data in real-time, users can see changes in water usage as they happen and also monitor long-term patterns.
If you’re away from home, an alert (in the manner you choose) allows a quick response that not only saves water but can protect your home from water damage.
Wondering why your water bill shows high usage? Log on to WaterSmart and see the usage pattern at your home. Perhaps a malfunctioning irrigation timer is turning your sprinklers on daily instead of twice a week. All this information and more is available at your fingertips. There’s no need to wait for a bimonthly bill or manually read your water meter to detect abnormalities in usage.
2. AMI Meters Help Customers Use Water Efficiently
AMI meters make it easy to set personal budgets and conservation goals. In addition, AMI meters allow customers to experiment and to see the difference certain actions make in water usage. Want to know exactly how much water your irrigation system uses? Simple. Log on to WaterSmart and see your water usage before and after your sprinklers run in the middle of the night.
AMI meters are especially helpful if you want to stay within a particular water rate tier. Woodlands Water rates are divided into four tiers (0-3,000 gallons, 4-15,000 gallons, 16-30,000 gallons and 31,000 gallons). The rate per 1,000 gallons increases with each tier. The better you understand how you use water, the easier it is to lower your bill. Check here for more information on Woodlands Water rates.
3. AMI Meters Result in Efficient Service
Finally, AMI meters help customers receive more efficient service quickly. Because customers have full access to their water usage data 24 hours a day, they can become proactive participants and contact Woodlands Water with any water usage concerns as they happen. This eliminates the need to wait for a bi-monthly bill to notice that something is amiss (like excess water use that may indicate a leak).
Additionally, because water usage data is available on a timelier basis, there is less need to send a field service investigator to the site to reread a meter because it’s available 24 hours a day. What’s more, Woodlands Water and the customer can view the same water use data simultaneously and discuss any concerns.
AMI meters empower customers to take control of their water usage and make decisions that are best for them.
How do I utilize my AMI meter to reduce waste, find leaks and save money?
WaterSmart is the online portal that connects you to your AMI meter. You can access the WaterSmart portal via computer, tablet or cell phone. For more information on WaterSmart, to create an account, or to log into your current account, click here.
Can I read my AMI meter without WaterSmart?
Yes. You can read your AMI meter directly by following these steps.
