What is AMR? 

AMR stands for Automated Meter Reading. It is a method of using communication technology to read meters without having to access the meter located in meter boxes in the ground. 

How does it work? 

There are several ways to read a water meter remotely. We've chosen a system that uses a small radio transmitter powered by a battery that is connected to the water meter by a cable. The radio device collects a reading from the meter and transmits the reading to a collection/receiver device located in a vehicle that’s being driven through your neighborhood. 

Why is the County undertaking this effort?

Automated meter systems are quickly becoming the standard for utilities around the country. The County has used this technology since 2007 for meters that serve apartments, duplexes and commercial properties. The efficiencies gained in those areas will now be shared across the entire County. These new devices allow for more accurate and faster collection of water usage readings than the current manual method and improve safety conditions for County staff. Currently, the meter readers must open every meter box to obtain a reading from the meter. Introducing automatic meter reading as the standard for Arlington is one of the ways we can better serve our customers and will enable us to upgrade to more advanced meter reading methods in the future.

How many meters will be changed?

The current residential AMR program will replace the existing 30,000 residential meters that have not previously been installed with AMR type meters. More than 2,200 residents were included in a pilot program in 2009 that have already had AMR technology installed. The County began installing this generation of AMR meters in 2007, replacing a previous generation of AMR units installed in the early 1990s on commercial accounts and expanding coverage to include all large apartments and condominium accounts (medium and high density residential). 

Will the electronic device on the meter interfere with other electronic equipment?

No. The radio transmission operates in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices.

Is this part of a fixed (closed) network?

No. The current automatic meter technology still requires the readings to be collected by driving or walking by the meter. A fixed network collects readings at fixed data collection points and transmits them electronically for billing purposes without staff needing to go to the location of the meters. Fixed networks can allow a utility company to provide customers with Internet access to their reading information on a more frequent basis than their bill. The AMR devices being installed in Arlington provide the foundation required to upgrade to a fixed network should the County decide to do so in the future.

Can I access daily readings from the meter online?

At this time, only billed consumption is available for review. You can register your account online. Your PIN number is located in the upper right-hand corner of your billing statement if you have not previously registered. 

Do I have to be home for the meter replacement work?

No. Since the water meters are located outside of the home in the County right-of-way, you will not need to be home for the replacement work. If you have special concerns about any fixtures installed that may be affected by temporary water service interruption, please contact our customer call center at (703) 228-6570 to report this and a supervisor will contact you.

What happens if I have a problem after the installation?

If you have a leak, low pressure or some other problem after the installation, or at any other time, please contact (703) 228-6570 during business hours or (703) 228-6555 after hours to report the problem. Because your water will be turned off temporarily during the meter change process, you may experience a brief period of air or discolored water. In most cases briefly running your cold water will clear this situation.

Why is the water meter being replaced?

To upgrade the meter to one capable of communicating with the AMR equipment, and as an extension of an existing program to replace aging meters after they have reached the end of their life cycle. With the introduction of newer technology, the existing meters are not able to communicate using the AMR technology. The newer meters will save labor time, prevent recording errors, minimize wear and tear on vehicles, minimize the need for County employees to access the meter pit, and decrease the need to estimate accounts due to severe weather conditions. AMR equipped meters also provide the foundation for more advanced metering infrastructure in the future.

Does the meter have to be replaced?

Yes. All meters will be changed to be read by the automatic meter reading technology.

Has this new AMR equipment been tested for accuracy and reliability?

Yes, meters come pretested along with results directly from the manufacturer. The radio device will be tested for accuracy during the meter collection process regularly. 

How does AMR benefit customers?

• Improved customer service by increasing accuracy of meter readings.
• Minimized need to access meters at the property.
• Reduction in estimated bills.

Will my water bill go up?

Possibly. Older meters tend to lose accuracy as they age and therefore do not measure all the water going through them. The new water meter will accurately measure the water that you use. All new meters are tested prior to delivery by the manufacturer to ensure that they register properly. If you see a higher bill immediately upon the new meter installation, it is likely the old meter was running slow. 

Can I cover up the meter after the installation?

No. Access needs to be available at all times. There will still be occurrences when meter technicians will visit the meter on site to perform routine maintenance or verify high readings. Obstructions to the meter box are subject to removal by County personnel.

What if there is something blocking or in front of the meter?

Please keep access to the water meter available at all times to ensure it is accessible for any potential emergency that would require the meter to be turned off. Be careful during the leaf season to not cover your water meter with leaf piles. 

Can I read the meter?

No. Only County staff are authorized to open the meter lid. Plumbers are not authorized to open meter lids. Please call (703) 228-6570 during daytime business hours or (703) 228-6555 after hours if access to the meter is needed. 

How will I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?

Each radio frequency device has an unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is compared to your account record to ensure a match.

Does this mean no more meter readers?

No, you will still see meter readers in your neighborhoods. There are times that the radio signal transmission is weak and meter readers may have to walk up to the meter before acquiring a read. Most reads will be acquired by simply driving by. County staff will continue to visit your property for routine service, maintenance or repair. We will continue to respond to water emergencies.

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Please contact the customer call center at (703) 228-6570 or send us an email with your questions.