Your water meter measures the amount of water used in your household or business. Residential water meters use a tried and true
technology called a nutating disk to measure the flow of water. Here’s a video link to show how this works: youtu.be/v3vcPhuWXSs
In most cases, your water meter sits inside a pit located in your front yard or in the streetscape (between the sidewalk and the
curb). The pit has a cover on it that identifies it as a water meter.
Aurora Water has used a system called Automated Meter Reading (AMR) since 1995. AMR uses a low-power radio transmitter to send
meter data a relatively short distance. Aurora Water reads whole neighborhoods of meters once a month by driving around in vehicles with
a computer and radio receiver.
The new system is called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). It sends the meter data to Aurora Water using cellular technology
rather than a dedicated radio transmitter. This not only means that we can use existing cell phone towers to read your meter, but we can
also read it more often than just once a month.
Our last major system replacement started in 2005 and the meters are beginning to reach their end-of-life.
Over 90,000 water meters will be installed over the four-year program period. The only exception will be our largest water meters,
which have a different maintenance schedule than most residential and commercial meters. These meters will still get the AMI
components.
No, the program is only for the water meter that Aurora Water is responsible for. Xcel Energy manages electrical and natural gas
meters in Aurora.
No, Aurora’s water rates will not be increasing to pay for this updated technology. Aurora Water replaces meters every 10
years, so this upgrade was anticipated and included into our capital improvement plan.
No, Aurora Water does not have time-of-days rates. Unlike electric utilities, we can store water in water tanks to meet our daily peak demands. We do use tiered rates, so the more that you use, the higher the water rate that is effect.
No, you do not have to be home during the meter replacement.
Since the meter is located in the meter pit, we won’t need access to homes and most businesses. There are a few businesses,
such as shopping malls, that may have meters located inside. Our staff will contact the business in advance.
Aurora Water will notify the point of contact we have in our billing records for your apartment manager or HOA. Since the work will
occur at the meter for your building or complex, there should be little impact on the specific units.
Yes, water may be turned off for short time during the meter changeover.
Yes, all water meters and associated systems are tested to meet Aurora Water’s exacting standards.
Yes and no. The water meters use a well-tested and reliable technology that’s been around for almost a century. What is new is
the way the water meter data is sent to Aurora Water. The meter sends data on a daily basis, helping us identify leaks and other
issues.
While that data is sent several times a day, the meter will record water use on an quarterly basis. This can help us work with customers on
understanding how water is used and how we can help save you money on your bill.
Aurora Water has been reading meters electronically since the late 1990s. Water meters are uniquely programmed for each
customer’s property.
The water meter replacement program will be phased in over four years, completing in 2024.
There are many ways that having additional data from your meter can help improve your experience with Aurora Water. We can help
verify water use patterns that may lead to high bill or identify a large or small water leak before it damages your home.
Yes, this system uses the same secure technology used in most cell phones.
Yes, this system transmits the data for a very short amount of time several times a day using cellular signals. The previous AMR technology had a radio transmitter that transmitted data 24 hours per day, everyday. You can see how this would dramatically reduce the RF transmission times and levels, equivalent to send a text with an image. Remember, the transmitter is located in the meter pit in your front yard, so it's like someone is making a very short cell call from your sidewalk.
While the physical meter can last 20 to 25 years, the battery that is used to send the information is warrantied for 20 years.
The meters will be installed by Badger Meter.
They will have signs on their trucks identifying them as contractors for Aurora Water, and will carry ID cards with both Badger Meter’s and Aurora Water’s logos.
Yes, your meter and meter pit must always be free of obstacles, including trees, shrubs and other landscaping materials.
Landscaping or fencing should be kept at least 3-5 feet from the meter pit.
If you have a specific need to have the water on during the meter replacement, please call the Aurora Water Operations Service
Center at 303.326.8645 prior to the meter installation.