Water Metering System Upgrade

Greene County Sanitary Engineering Department (GCSED) is modernizing its operations and technology infrastructure to improve our customers’ experience through an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. AMI streamlines our processes for water meter reading and billing, while also giving customers better access to water usage data to improve the customer experience.

AMI uses enhanced water meters which wirelessly communicate water usage data directly to GCSED where the information is used to monitor how the water system is performing and provide accurate data for billing. In addition, customers can access the data for their meters in real-time to monitor their own water usage.

Benefits

Provides frequent and detailed water usage information to customers via a web-based portal helping customers manage their water usage and identify leaks or plumbing issues, which in turn can provide cost savings to the customer
Reduces Greene County’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for staff to drive to locations to read meters
Improves meter reading accuracy and reduces the possibility for errors
Provides frequent meter data available throughout the water distribution system, which can help GCSED identify areas experiencing water loss, locate leaks, and prevent larger main breaks

Impacts to customers

Beginning late 2021, residents and business owners will see crews from NECO working on their properties. Crews will be driving in NECO company vehicles and will be outfitted with company labeled vests and ID name tags. Minimal and short service interruption will be scheduled, and customers will be notified by mail. Customers are welcome to call GCSED’s main office at 937-562-7450 if they have any questions about work being performed in their meter pit.

Project Status

Planning – 2020

Design – early 2021

Construction – Fall 2021

Completion – late 2024

FAQS

What is an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)?

AMI uses enhanced water meters which wirelessly communicate water usage data directly to GCSED. The information is used to monitor how the water system is performing and provide accurate data for billing. Customers can also access their water usage data in real-time to better manage water usage and identify leaks, which can save customers money on their water bills.

Will this new technology raise my water bill?

Installation costs for the new water meter technology are included in the existing GCSED budget and will not increase customer water bills. Once the technology is installed, customers may see lowered bills because of the ability to monitor water usage in real time, allowing them to take measurements to find and fix leaks and control water use.

What are the benefits of AMI?

AMI improves customer experience by giving more access to water usage data, improving billing accuracy, and allowing customers to monitor and control water use. AMI also enhances operational control for the county by providing better data throughout the water distribution system, which can help identify areas in the system experiencing water loss, locate leaks, and prevent larger main breaks. AMI technology benefits the environment and community as a whole because the remote technology will reduce Greene County’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for staff to drive to locations to read meters and conserve water through water use and early detection of leaks.

How will customer information be protected?

Meter information and usage data are encrypted before being transmitted to the county. Personal information, such as name, address, bill account number, or credit/collection information, is not transmitted to or from the meter.

Is AMI Technology Safe?

Yes. AMI uses radio frequency similar to many commonly used devices such as baby monitors, walkie talkies, mobile phones, and AM/FM radios. Each AMI endpoint is only active for a few seconds per day and endpoints will not be installed in close proximity to people. The AMI operates well within the safety standards established by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and many leading scientific and government agencies have deemed AMI to be safe, including the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the California Council on Science & Technology.

Can a customer opt-out of the meter optimization project?

No, all customers will receive a new water meter with AMI technology.

How will customers be notified when their meter will be replaced?

A letter will be mailed to the residence.

How will inside meters be replaced?

An appointment will be scheduled by NECO.