What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)––also commonly referred to as smart meters––is an integrated system of meters and information systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. This system allows utilities/water retailers to better collect water usage data, support customer billing, and manage water resources. Their ability to collect frequent and accurate water usage data will improve customer billing and leak detection.
In other words, one may think of these as digital water meters. For commercial properties and HOA’s, AMI facilitates collection and communication of more frequent (e.g., hourly) water use data that can help facility managers better understand water usage and identify leaks. Valley Water cost shares AMI deployment meaning we provide funding to select water retailers to modernize water meters in their service area more quickly and more cost effectively than without this funding. These cost-sharing agreements are in support of the objectives outlined in Valley Water’s 2040 Water Supply Master Plan.
AMI meters allow for remote collection of water use data – in real time; most importantly, they also allow a utility to quickly identify excessive water use that could be the result of leaks. Most water retailers allow customer access to their hourly water use data; and most of the time, water retailers also alert customers if they detect a continuous flow that may be due to a leak. Some water retailers even enable an alert if your AMI detects an unusual water use pattern. Please check with your water retailer (the entity that sends you your water bills). EPA WaterSense provides additional information to learn more.
Does my water retailer offer AMI?
Several water retailers in Santa Clara County are implementing AMI in their service areas. Since 2016, over 30,000 AMI meters have been installed throughout the county. Reach out to your water retailer to determine when AMI will be implemented in your area.
Retailer AMI Status as of March 2023
| Retailer | Total Meters | % Implementation | Valley Water Cost-sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Gilroy | 14,400 | 95% | Yes |
| City of Milpitas | 16,351 | 100% | Yes |
| City of Morgan Hill | 14,500 | 100% | Yes |
| Purissima Hills | 1,339 | 50% | Yes |
| San Jose Water Company | 253,000 | * | No |
*San Jose Water Company received approval for AMI implementation by the California Public Utilities Commission in June 2022.