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1. What is AMI?

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems consist of small, low-power radio transmitters connected to individual water meters that send readings to a network of receivers throughout the system. These receivers provide all relevant billing information and eliminate the need for water meter readers to visit your property on a regular basis.

2. Why AMI?

The City of Fountain Valley used to spend a great deal of time and manpower reading water meters for purposes of normal usage, read-ins/outs and bill/payment resolution. The old method of obtaining reads involved several employees, multiple paper processes, fuel and manual data entry. The timeliness of the reads was also a factor; normal reads were obtained every 60 days. The new AMI system allows the City to remotely monitor the meters on a daily basis.

3. Why was the metering system changed?

The water metering system was upgraded as part of the City of Fountain Valley’s efforts to continually improve our water system. The new automated system is more efficient, accurate and cost-effective than manual meter reading.

4. What are the benefits of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system?

The AMI system reduces operating costs for meter reading and billing, and improves customer service. The direct benefits to the City and its customers include:
* Highly accurate data collection which decreases the possibility of incorrect meter readings.
* Timely information on water usage and cost that allows staff to provide better customer service.
* Timely identification of water leaks which reduces water waste and increased water bills due to leaks.
* Multiple meter reads daily, instead of once every other month.
* Quicker and more efficient customer service, including initiating new accounts, closing existing accounts and addressing billing questions.
* Transmission of information from water meters using low-power radio signals without staff having to open meter boxes or step onto a customer's property.
* Online access to the Water Customer Portal so customers can monitor and manage their water usage. To learn more about online access, click Water Customer Portal.

5. How does it work?

A small unit is installed in the lid above the water meter. It is connected to the water meter and transmits a low-power radio signal to a data collector which relays the information to the City’s Water Department billing office.

6. How will I know my bill is accurate?

The AMI system ensures that customers are billed based on their actual water consumption. The City of Fountain Valley maintains a staff of quality assurance professionals to ensure the accuracy of your bill. Unusual billing spikes are flagged by our Customer Information System and reviewed before posting to the account.

7. Will I see an increase in my water bill?

Although you were not charged for the new meter and your water rate did not change at the time of the upgrade, you may see an increase because the new meters record consumption more accurately than the old meters. As water meters age, they tend to run slower and may not measure all the water going through them. Most of the old water meters in Fountain Valley were more than 20 years old and at the end of their functional life. Therefore, depending on the age and accuracy of your old meter, you may see an increase in your bill based on more accurate readings.

8. What information is transmitted, and is my account information secure?

The AMI system only transmits the water meter readings, the meter identification number and diagnostic information to verify that the advanced meter equipment is operating correctly. Personal customer information is not transmitted. For additional security, the data is encrypted and transmitted over a privately licensed radio frequency channel.

9. Will the AMI device's radio signals affect the operation of other electronic devices in my home?

No. The radio frequency by which the AMI operates is a designated frequency secured with a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license for the City of Fountain Valley’s exclusive use.

10. Are there any potential health concerns with the radio signals?

No. The meters only send out signals for a few seconds at a time, several times a day, so they are not always transmitting. The radio frequency that is transmitted is 6,000 -12,000 times weaker than that of a microwave oven, wireless router or laptop computer (at less than a distance of 1 meter); 18,000 – 6,000,000 times weaker than that of a cell phone (at one’s head); and 300,000 – 25,000,000 times weaker than that of a walkie-talkie (at one’s head). Due to the distance at which the radio frequency energy is typically transmitted, exposure is very low, much like that of AM or FM radio broadcast signals. Exact measurements and research can be read online.

11. Is the AMI technology safe?

Yes. AMI technology is safer than cellphones, laptops, blue tooth devices and similar equipment.

12. How can I read my AMI water meter?

Your water meter is located in the ground by the entrance to your driveway and adjacent to the sidewalk. The cement lid to your meter box has a hole in the middle of it. Stick a large screwdriver in the hole at an angle to lift up the lid, and set the lid to the side of the box. The top of the meter extends out on one side so you can lift the cover and view the numbers on the digital screen underneath the cover. Once you are done reading your meter, please put the meter cover back down and put the cement lid back in place over the meter box.

13. Can I view my water usage online?

Yes. Customers can use the Water Customer Portal to view their water consumption data and sign up to receive email alerts. The portal is updated nightly so customers can view up-to-date data regarding their hourly, daily, weekly and monthly water usage and use the information to identify potential problems, manage their water use and aid in water conservation efforts. Simply click the blue water usage button on the home page or the following link to learn more about the Water Customer Portal.

14. How can I check for a water leak?

Increased water usage or water usage when no one is home or awake may be a sign that there is a water leak. If you suspect that you have a water leak, follow these steps to try to identify it.

Step 1: Make sure you are not running any water inside or outside your home.
Step 2: Locate your water meter (in the ground by the entrance to your driveway and adjacent to the sidewalk). The cement lid to your meter box has a hole in the middle of it. Stick a large screwdriver in the hole at an angle to lift up the lid, and set the lid to the side of the box. The top of the meter extends out on one side so you can lift the cover and view the numbers on the digital screen underneath the cover. If the numbers on the far right of the digital screen are increasing when you are not using any water, you have a leak.
Step 3: If you have a leak, your next step is to figure out if it is inside or outside your home. You can do this by turning off the water valve to your house (frequently located on the front of the house near your hose) and going back to your water meter. If the numbers have stopped increasing, your water leak is inside your house. If the numbers are still increasing, your water leak is outside of your house.
Step 4: Turn the water valve to your house back on, put the meter cover back down and put the cement lid back in place over the meter box.
Step 5: Identify the exact location of the leak and repair it to prevent further damage and/or water waste.
Additional Water Leak information