Automated Meter Reading
Residential water meters in the Otay Water District’s service area are now read via an automated system. Automated Meter Reading meters (AMR) transmit water use data via a one-way radio signal from the meter to a meter reader up to a half mile away. These meters are read once a month by a District vehicle driving down the street. The meter transmits a signal containing its data to an antenna on the vehicle. A laptop computer in the vehicle then records data from all meters along the specified route. This well-proven and cost-effective technology helps the District increase productivity, reduces costs and improves customer service.
With the AMR system, field representatives are able to read approximately 2,500 meters in 4 hours versus 700 meters in 8 hours, depending upon the route. Multiple routes can also be merged and completed in the same time it took to read just one route.