Why is Wichita converting its meters to AMR?
Wichita decided to take on this project for several reasons, including employee safety, improved meter reading accuracy and increased efficiency.

Employee safety: Wichita Water Utilities meter readers encounter numerous situations every day - whether it be dogs, hard-to-access meters, and numerous other situations that prevents meter readers from performing their duty safely.

Improved accuracy: When the average meter reader reads hundreds of meters a day, mistakes can happen. This can result in a meter reader going back to a residence or business to re-read the meter. The accuracy gained by using an AMR system can greatly reduce errors and reduce the need to re-read meters.

Efficiency: Wichita Water Utilities strives to provide the best possible customer service, high reliability and low rates. AMR technology will help us achieve these goals.

How long will it take to complete the project?
By the end of 2008, about 55,000 of Wichita’s 140,000 water customers will have AMR meters. On average, the City plans to install 15,000 AMR meters each year.

How do you electronically collect the meter reads?
The new meter will have an ERT device (Encoder, Receiver, Transmitter) connected to it that operates under a low-power radio frequency. Once the system is operational, Water Utilities staff need only  drive down the street to collect meter reads with a handheld computer. Each ERT has its own identification number so there is no confusion as to which service address belongs to which meter.

Has this new AMR equipment been tested for accuracy and reliability?
Yes, this equipment has gone through numerous tests for billing accuracy and system reliability.

What information will be transmitted?
The modules transmit meter readings and the meter identification number. Diagnostic information is also transmitted to verify that the meter is operating correctly or to notify us of a power outage or tampering.

Is my account information secure?
Yes, only meter readings and meter numbers are transmitted. Personal customer information will not be transmitted.

Will the AMR system interfere with my TV, radio or garage door opener?
No. The transmitting devices operate in compliance with FCC regulations at a very low-level radio frequency that will not interfere with nor operate any other electronic devices such as garage door openers, televisions, cordless or cellular phones, wireless computer networks, Internet access or cardiac pacemakers.

Are there any potential health concerns with the radio signals?
Studies made on low-power radio frequency transmissions have revealed no negative health impacts.

Is there a separate charge for AMR?
No.

Who will be installing the AMR meters?
Crews are going neighborhood by neighborhood to take out existing water meters and replace them with AMR meters. The City has contracted with H & C Insulation to do this work, and its trucks are marked clearly. Crew members will also have identification. If you ever have any question about the identity of someone who claims to be working on behalf of Wichita Water Utilities, please call us at (316) 265-1300.

What if my water meter is inaccessible?
Generally, all of the work will be done in homeowners’ front yards, since that is where the majority of water meters are located. If your water meter is inaccessible, you will be notified and given the opportunity to make arrangements for crews to perform the installation.

Will Wichita Water Utilities need to turn off my water service?
Water service is temporarily turned off while the new AMR meter is being installed. It takes an average of 15 minutes to complete the process and for water service to be restored.

Will there be any damage to my yard?
Care is taken to minimize any damage to lawns. After the meter change, please water the area around the meter lid to ensure continued grass growth.

How will I know if an AMR meter has been installed on my property?
Door hangers will be left on your front door to let you know that a new water meter has been installed.

Will I see a change in my service after AMR is installed?
The only significant change to your utility service will be that, once the AMR system is operating, meter readers will not need to visit your property monthly to collect the meter readings. Service personnel may visit the meter periodically to confirm proper operation or perform routine maintenance.

How will this project affect my monthly water bill?
For the most part, customers will not notice any change in their monthly billings. However, a slight increase in a bill may occur. This can be attributed to the old, replaced meter providing a lower, inaccurate read, and the new meter providing a higher, yet accurate, read. If you have had a new meter installed and your bill has increased significantly, please contact our Customer Service Division at (316) 265-1300.

Do I need to maintain the AMR meters?
No. Wichita Water Utilities is responsible for all maintenance. Do not tamper or damage the AMR meter or lift the meter lid. Do not make adjustments. Teach children never to touch or play near the meters and related devices. If you think something is wrong with the meter lid or AMR meter, please call (316) 265-1300. Note: City meter readers will continue to read meters manually until the AMR network is functional in your neighborhood.

What happens if the meter lid or AMR meter is damaged?
If the cables are cut or the equipment is damaged or tampered with in any way, a fee may be assessed. Cutting the cable or tampering with the meter does not prevent the meter from being read.

Who do I contact if I have other questions regarding this project?
For all questions about this project that have not been answered above, please contact the Wichita Water Utilities at (316) 265-1300 or by e-mail at KVestweber@wichita.gov.

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