Water District to Trickle Out New Meters

Belmont’s water utility, the has announced a significant upgrade to its metering system that will help conserve water, as well as provide accurate information to customers about water usage and how they can save money through water conservation.

The selection of the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) was the result of several years of studies of various systems. “This system provides virtually no interruption in service to our customers, will allow them to monitor their water usage, and implements easy ways to conserve and save. It was also the most cost effective system we considered in providing safe, reliable drinking water to our more than 30,000 customers,” said Paul Regan, general manager of MPWD. 

The first phase of implementation is anticipated for late October and will consist of the installation of the infrastructure for the AMI system, the activation of the computer system at the MPWD headquarters in Belmont, and a 100 meter pilot test that allows for monitoring and measuring water usage. 

Phase two will include installation on customer meters, scheduled to begin in early 2012, with all meters fully automated by 2015.

In Phase three, customers will be able to log on to the MPWD website at www.midpeninsulawater.org and monitor their usage. Because there are rate tiers for water usage, customers will have the ability to control their costs. The system also flags issues such as leaks, providing daily email alerts to customers so repairs can be made quickly.

According to MPWD, customers will be informed prior to their individual meter upgrade, with a brief interruption to water service during the installation. 

“The decision to upgrade and automate the system allows us to Acommunicate better with our customers so they can conserve water and save money, a goal consistent with MPWD’s on-going commitment to conservation efforts,” said Regan.