Water Utilities

Smart Water Meters

Advanced Metering Infrastructure AMI

The City of Kyle has completed installation of its smart water meter system, replacing traditional analog meters with digital meters that provide more frequent water-use information.

City of Kyle water customers can now create a Kyle WaterSmart profile at CityofKyle.gov/WaterSmart

The new smart meter system helps Kyle Water Utilities read meters more efficiently and gives customers access to more detailed water-use information through Kyle WaterSmart, the City’s customer portal.

 


How Smart Water Meters Help

Smart water meters help Kyle Water Utilities by improving the way meter information is collected and reviewed. The system supports:

  • More efficient meter reading
  • More frequent water-use information
  • Improved ability to identify unusual or continuous water use
  • Customer access to more detailed water-use information through the SmartWater program
  • Water conservation tools and education

 


About the Smart Meter System

Smart water meters are digital meters that measure water use and securely transmit meter information through an automated system. This technology is also known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI.

The meters send water-use readings, meter identification information and diagnostic information used to help verify that the equipment is working properly. This allows Kyle Water Utilities to collect readings more efficiently and provide more frequent water-use information than traditional analog meters.


Frequently Asked Questions

AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure.  It is a method of using communication technology to read meters remotely without having to access the meter located in meter boxes in the ground.

There is no additional cost to the customer for the new system. However, customers may see an increase in their monthly water use due to old meters inaccurately measuring water consumption as they age. The new meters ensure accurate measurement, billing only for the water used. Additionally, customers gain tools to monitor and manage water consumption effectively.

If you notice a discrepancy in your bill or have a billing question, contact Utility Billing at 877-829-9041

For help registering or using WaterSmart, contact Kyle 3-1-1. 

For urgent water issues, such as a water main break, major leak or loss of water service, contact: 

Water Division:
Crews are on call 24/7, including holidays.

  • Office hours: 512-262-3024
  • Emergency after hours and holidays: 512-787-9896

Digital water meter readings are encrypted and sent through an automated network, using a private radio frequency (RF) channel, from the digital water meter to the utility. The meter data display looks similar to the numbers on a car odometer and has nine digits. The digits on the meter represent the number of gallons consumed down to the 1/100th of a gallon. The last two digits can be used as leak indicators to detect water flow through the meter.

The water meters that are being replaced are not currently compatible with AMI and must be upgraded in order to adapt to the new system. Water meters are necessary to determine how much water is used by residents/businesses. The new digital water meters are designed to help customers understand their usage and save money on their water bills. 

Once the Customer Portal goes live, customers will be able monitor their water usage more closely to manage and reduce costs associated with their water bills. Some of the many benefits customers gain from the new technology include:

  • The ability to track water usage and investigate possible leaks or continuous water use such as a running garden hose or leaky water pipe.
  • Precise meter readings and water usage data in near real time, allowing for identification of high usage and suspected leaks.
  • More frequent meter reading available to customers, as opposed to monthly readings, which allows you to make necessary adjustments sooner to reduce and manage costs.
  • Improved customer service options including representatives who can guide you through your water usage portal and suggest cost savings tips based on your past usage patterns and trends.

The project was financed through the City’s Capital Improvement Project funds. Customers will not incur any additional cost for the digital water meters.

All City of Kyle water meters have been replaced. 

Data from the meters is encrypted and sent through a safe and secure network to the utility databases. The meter system transmits only the water meter readings, the meter identification number, and diagnostic information to verify that the automated meter equipment is operating correctly. Only key authorized utility personnel, such as customer service representatives can access your account if needed.

Yes. Digital water meters operate at much lower levels of radio frequencies than cell phones, microwaves, wireless routers and even baby monitors.

No. The radio transmission operates in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations to avoid interference with other electronic devices.

Additional Questions?

Submit a request online 24/7 or call Kyle 3-1-1 from inside the city limits, Mon - Fri from 8 am - 5 pm at 3-1-1.

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