Denver Water uses an Automatic Meter Reading system which enables us to save millions of dollars every year in meter reading costs, while providing timely, accurate readings for customers. Many utilities use AMR as a way of improving customer service while reducing the cost of reading meters.
Denver Water’s AMR system uses miniature radio transmitters attached to the water meter. We are able to collect the readings from handheld radio receivers or moving vehicles. With this process, a few drivers in trucks can read more meters in one day than our previous staff of 33 meter readers.
If your meter is indoors, the AMR device may be in the basement near the front wall of the house, or it may be mounted on the outside of the house facing the street. To ensure proper meter readings, do not move or obstruct the device or damage the wire connected to the meter.
Meters and Mowing
Most AMR devices mount through the meter pit lid. From the top, it looks like a black disc about seven inches in diameter. It sticks up ½ inch to ¾ inch above the top of the meter pit lid, or it may be set into a recess in the lid. The center part of the unit is made of hard plastic — hard enough to support the weight of a car, but not able to survive an encounter with a lawn mower blade or a lawn aerator spike. Please be careful when you are aerating or mowing around water meter pits. Never run your aerator over the top of a meter pit, and check the clearance between your mower blade and the top of the AMR device. The current standard charge for replacing an AMR device damaged by a mower or aerator is $201.
As the original AMR devices wear out, we are gradually replacing them with new devices that mount below the meter pit lid. The new models are more durable, have stronger signal transmission and offer new features that help us read meters more efficiently and reliably. The mounting system keeps the device out of the way of lawn mower blades and aerator spikes.
While doing landscape projects, be sure the meter pit lid remains exposed, level with the ground, and outside any fences or walls. Never put rocks, flower pots or other objects on the meter pit.