Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of advanced meters, communications networks and data management systems that enables two-way communications between a central location and each meter.

Advanced meter reading systems are used by many water utilities around the country. Water meters will be read automatically providing reliable and accurate information. This eliminates manual meter readings errors and improves billing accuracy and customer service.

The City of Lubbock Water Utilities is implementing AMI technology to improve billing accuracy, provide early identification of water leaks and meter malfunctions, and provide more detailed water usage data for our customers.

The existing water meters will be either retrofitted or replaced with advanced metering technology. The advanced meter will be installed in the same location of your current meter. A licensed technician will perform the installation of the advanced meters.

Once installed, your meter will still have a visible meter register that can be read. However, there will be wires attached to the meter and to the antenna on the manhole lid. Once the radio transmitter is installed, the meter reads will be sent remotely through the AMI network.

The warranty for the AMI meter and equipment is for 20 years. Periodic inspection and maintenance will be performed to ensure all devices are performing as expected.

The water AMI device will not have remote shut-off capabilities. However, by having more frequent and detailed water usage data, the City will be able to provide more information to customers inquiring about their own personal water usage in any given month and identify spikes or continuous water flow that could indicate a leak on the customer’s property.

The City of Lubbock Water Utilities owns and maintains the water meter, meter box and the advanced metering device. The customers own the water service line and plumbing from the meter box to the facilities located on their property.

In most cases, water service will not be disrupted. Installation of the device does not require a temporary water shut-off. A 30 minute service shut-off will be necessary only if the water meter needs to be replaced. If replacement of the water meter is required, the technician will alert occupants by knocking at the door or leaving notification.

Obstructions to the meter box in City right-of-ways are subject to removal by City personnel (Ord. Sec. 20). The owner or tenant of a property is responsible for maintaining clean, safe, and accessible sideways and alleyways (Ord. Sec. 34.01.002, Ord. Sec. 36.01.005, Ord. Sec. 36.01.008). Continuous access to the water meter box is necessary in order for the City of Lubbock Water Department to perform maintenance periodically and during emergencies. 

New water meters may have a higher level of accuracy compared to the old meters that have reached the end of their useful life. However, an unusually high water bill is most often caused by a leak or change in water use. Other common causes of high water bills include:

• A leaking toilet or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed
• A dripping faucet or shower
• Filling or topping off a swimming pool or spa
• Irrigation system issues
• A broken water pipe or appliance with a fixture leak
• Water softener and ice machine problems with the unit cycles water continuously
• Water heater
• Pressure release valves
• Service waterline on your property
• Outside hoses and taps

If you suspect you have a water leak contact a plumber as soon as possible. Call 806-775-2588 for water turn-off inquires and 806-775-2509 for billing inquiries.

The meters are tested by the manufacturers and comply with the American Water Works Association standards. If you see a change in your bill amount after the new meter installation and you have not changed your water use pattern, you can fill out a Water Credit Request Form if you suspect the old meter was not functioning properly or you have a minor leak in your plumbing. 

There is no installation cost, set-up fee, or assessment fee that will be charged to the customer.

The ability for a customer to visually read their meter will still be available at the meter. Additionally, customers can call the City of Lubbock Utilities to inquire about their water usage due to multiple readings received within a billing period.

All customers will be equipped with the water AMI device. In order for the City to realize the operational efficiencies created by AMI technology, opt-outs will not be allowed. This is the standard protocol for water systems that use AMI technology.