What is an AMI water meter?
An automated metering infrastructure (AMI) water meter is a device that measures the volume of water used by residential and commercial building units. OUC uses different types of water meters based on the size and type of service. . New water meters have an AMI communications module attached to them for remote data acquisition capabilities.

In most cases, OUC will need to replace both the meter and AMI module. In cases where the meter has already been upgraded, OUC will only need to replace the AMI communications module.

Why does my water meter need to be replaced?
Due to aging infrastructure, it’s important to exchange water meters every 10-15 years. Doing so enhances data to help customers manage their usage and ultimately, conserve water. AMI water technology will also enhance OUC’s ability to more proactively identify leaks or other issues before they show up later as a high bill.

Is there a cost for the AMI water meter upgrade?
No. Water rate structures already include the anticipated costs for normal infrastructure upgrades (i.e., meters, distribution pipes, etc.) over time as they age. 

How might this affect me?
If an exchange of the entire water meter is needed, you may experience an outage for up to 30 minutes. If this is required, the technician will attempt to make contact on site before proceeding with the interruption and upgrade. You will receive a notification of completion when the service is done.

What happens to the backflow preventive device on my property?
Existing backflow preventive devices are not affected and should continue to operate as normal.

Will the technician also install a backflow preventive device?
No. Customers without backflow preventive devices will be contacted by a different crew to arrange installation of a backflow device.

When can I expect my meter and/or communications module to be replaced?
OUC will upgrade AMI water meters through 2025. You will receive a letter or postcard from OUC a few weeks prior to the scheduled upgrade of the water meter at your home. Additionally, for customers that are signed up for Proactive Alerts, you also will receive phone, text and/or email alerts based on your preferences. If you would like to sign up for these alerts, log into your myOUC at OUC.com or text REG to 69682. Water meter upgrades will occur Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, during normal business hours.

How can I be sure that the AMI device is reading the meter at my home or business, and not billing me for someone else’s usage?
The AMI cellular device communicating usage data to OUC includes the water meter serial number, which will be cross-referenced to ensure it matches the water meter assigned to your account. Additionally, technicians will be taking “as-found” and “as-left” photos that include the water meter serial numbers for further validation, when needed.

How will AMI water meters benefit me?
AMI water meters remove limitations of previous technologies, enabling OUC to provide hourly water meter data to all customers online and further empowering you to manage your usage. Also, AMI water meters will enhance OUC’s ability to more proactively identify leaks or other anomalies, before they show up later as a high bill.

How do I view my water usage?
You can register for a myOUC account at OUC.com. Customers can access their water usage by accessing their myOUC account. Your water usage will be visible via myOUC approximately one week after the upgrade.

Will anyone need to come into my home?
No. All work will take place outside.

What if there is more than one water meter (i.e., irrigation or reclaimed service in addition to potable water) at my home?
OUC will upgrade all potable (i.e., drinking water), irrigation and reclaimed meters to the new cellular AMI technology. Any meters at your home that have not yet been upgraded to AMI will be upgraded while the technician is on site.

I live in multifamily housing. What happens if my landlord doesn’t replace the device?
If there is not a water meter on your bill, water is likely being provided via a meter on your landlord’s or HOA’s OUC account. OUC will coordinate any required interruption of service for these meter replacements through the account holder.

I live in multifamily housing. If I have more than one property, will the meter upgrade happen at the same time?
If property address(es) are in the same location it’s possible meter upgrades could occur simultaneously. A postcard or letter will be mailed with addresses scheduled for meter upgrades

Why does my business need an AMI water meter upgrade?
Due to aging infrastructure, it’s important to exchange water meters every 10-15 years. Doing so enhances data to help customers manage their usage and bill, and ultimately conserve water. AMI water technology also will enhance OUC’s ability to more proactively identify leaks or other issues before they show up later as a high bill.

I rent my facility/building. Does this still pertain to me?
If there is a water meter on your OUC bill, OUC will be in direct contact with you when it is time to perform the required upgrade. If there is no water meter on your OUC bill, water is likely being provided via a meter on the landlord’s OUC account. OUC will coordinate any required interruption of service for these meter replacements through the account holder.

What if I have a portable (hydrant) water meter?
Customers with portable water meters will still require annual inspections and must enter monthly reads online. During OUC’s annual inspection, these devices will be upgraded with cellular AMI, which will allow data to be obtained regardless of the location of the device. Until all portable water meters are upgraded, customers with portable water meters are still required to enter monthly meter reads online.

I provide water to multiple tenants through a main connection. Does this mean I need a water meter for each tenant?
No. There is no need to add additional meters to support the AMI upgrade process. However, OUC may need your assistance to notify impacted tenants of the upgrade if a temporary interruption of service is required.

What if I have multiple properties will the meter upgrade happen at the same time?
No. There is no need to add additional meters to support the AMI upgrade process. However, OUC may need your assistance to notify impacted tenants of the upgrade if a temporary interruption of service is required.

What should I expect from the field technician upgrading the AMI water meter?
OUC is partnering with Utility Partners of America (UPA) to perform most of the water meter upgrades. The field technician will arrive in a marked vehicle (OUC contractor signage) and be equipped with an identification badge. The technician will knock on your door if a temporary outage is required. However, there is no need to answer the door or have the technician enter your home.

If water service is interrupted and an outside spigot is accessible, water will be run briefly to flush remaining air from the water lines. In most cases, any water interruption to perform the meter upgrade will be less than 30 minutes. Technicians will take “as-found” and “as-left” photos of the work site for quality control purposes. Most meters are located street side in or near right-of-way, meaning access to your home or business would not be necessary.

Do I need to make an appointment for meter replacement?
No appointment is necessary. OUC only asks that access to the water meter box is safe and clear. Most water meters are located near the street or sidewalk.

What do I need to do to prepare for the water meter upgrade?
OUC only asks that access to the water meter box is safe and clear. Most water meters are located near the street or sidewalk. This includes ensuring the water meter is not blocked by vegetation or shrubbery.

Will the replacement of the meter affect my water bill?
No, customer water bills are not affected by meter replacements. When OUC crews arrive at a customer’s property, they log current water readings of the customer’s existing meter and the new meter. These numbers are reported for use in accurately billing the customer the following month.

Will the new meter affect my property’s pressure or flow?
No, the new meter will match the size of the existing meter. Immediately following a meter replacement, there could be air remaining in lines that can be easily flushed out by running a spigot for a few minutes.

Where is this device located on my property?
Most water meters are located street side in or near right-of-way. OUC only asks that access to the water meter box is safe and clear.

Will my lawn be disturbed or will you need to cut into the walls of my home or business?
No, the meter and module replacements will only require access to the meter box and meter lid, and will not require sod removal. Should a meter box need to be replaced, sod around the meter box will be temporarily removed and replanted once completed. There is no need to cut into any walls.

Does this mean my current water usage data is incorrect?
No.

Who is able to access my water meter data?
Only you (via myOUC) and authorized OUC personnel are able to access your water meter data.

What are the maintenance requirements for the new AMI water meter?
The meter does not require any maintenance by the customer. OUC will take care of all maintenance; however, you should be careful not to damage metering equipment with a lawn mower or other vehicles. The antenna for the new technology will not be any more noticeable than the current system. As always, OUC asks that access to the water meter box remains safe and clear.

Will the communications for these new AMI water meters pose a health risk?
The new AMI water meters used by OUC leverage cellular communications and, as such, any radio frequencies used meet all standards established and maintained by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Additionally, most water meters are installed near the street, far away from the home or business.