Project Description
Like many cities across Texas and the U.S., the City of Waxahachie sought to implement an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) or smart water meter system to more accurately track water usage and increase their utility efficiency. They spent a great deal of time researching options to complete this project, including evaluating multiple project delivery options. After a comprehensive selection process, the City partnered with Performance Services to complete the project through an energy savings performance contract. The project, which began in fall 2021, will replace the old mechanical water meters with new smart meters to ensure that the City can accurately track water usage and reduce manual work processes. Additionally, once meters are installed, water usage can be monitored and reported instantaneously in near real-time. With these improvements, the project guarantees a minimum of $870,535 in annual operational savings and revenues for the City throughout the 15-year contract period.
The project will utilize Badger Meter and Badger Beacon AMA, a software suite with proven ORION® AMR/AMI water meter reading technology to provide utility management with greater visibility and control. Together the meters and advanced metering infrastructure will enable the City to reduce non-revenue water loss and to monitor water usage with pinpoint accuracy.
Once meters are installed and the network is online, City of Waxahachie residents will have access to the EyeOnWater® customer portal. This portal, available in the Apple App Store or Google Play, will provide customers with direct access to their water consumption data, allowing them to easily view, understand, and manage their water usage.
Project Highlights
- Removal and replacement of 14,413 water meters with smart, ultrasonic water meters
- Installation of an AMA system for real-time monitoring of water usage
- Customer access to view water consumption data in real-time, via a secure online portal
- Collecting water service line material data for Revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), per EPA requirements
