NEW AUTOMATED METER READING PROJECT
Starting in September 2014, The Northern Cambria Municipal Authority has implemented a meter upgrade program, which will replace all water meters for all our customers by installing a radio read system.
Replacing outdated meters will improve the efficiency of meter readings and new transmitters will enable meter readings to be transmitted via radio frequency to the meter reader as they drive down the street. New meters also provide enhanced leak detection features and better accuracy.
Our employees and employees with Water System Solutions, Inc. will be changing out all the meters within our system. They will carry photo identification on them. Please feel free to call us at 814-948-5791 if you are uncertain.
Employees will begin in certain sections of town. If you are not home when employees are in your neighborhood, they will leave a door hanger on your front door which will tell you to contact the office during normal business hours to schedule an appointment for the meter to be changed out.
* UPDATE - Every customer has received a letter about calling and scheduling an appointment to have their meter changed out.
How does the new meter reading system work?
Most meter readings will be taken by a vehicle driving through your neighborhood. This is known as AMR (Automatic Meter Reading). When the vehicle or meter reader gets near your meter, the meter transmits its meter reading by radio. The readings are collected by devices in the vehicle or held by the meter reader.
How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else's?
Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.
How do you know that my reading is accurate?
These state of the art water meters have electronic registers, which verifies the meter reading before it is sent to the transmitting unit. The reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.
Does someone need to come into my home to change the meter?
As Northern Cambria Municipal Authority changes water meters, personnel will need access to meters in basements, utility rooms, behind locked fences, garages, etc. We will gladly work with you to arrange a convenient appointment time. An adult (minimum 18 years of age) must be present while we work inside the premises.
Will I need to be home when you install the AMR device?
If we visit your home and have trouble gaining access to the meter, we will leave a door tag requesting that you contact us to set up an appointment.
What time of day will the AMR Meter change out take place?
Most of the meter change outs will take place between 8 am and 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Evening appointments will be available if necessary.
How long will the installation take?
Under normal circumstances, the installation will take 30 minutes or less. The water will have to be turned off for about 5 to 10 minutes if the meter needs changed.
Once the AMR system is installed are there any problems that can happen?
The new system will identify any problems that may occur. If damage occurs to the unit, such as the wiring between the water meter and the reading unit is cut or the register is taken off, the reading unit will signal that tampering or damage has occurred. The radio sending units are powered by a 20 year battery.
Why is my water usage so much higher after the new AMR meter was installed?
The new Iperl meters are very sophisticated and can detect any small amounts of water used that your old meter may not have registered. Your old meter may not have been calculating your water usage correctly and may have only been showing a portion of what you were actually using. The new Iperl meters will help us account for any water loss within our water system by giving us more accurate customer usage.
Your Water Meter
If you have not updated your meter to a new radio read system, please contact us ASAP.
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