Water meters throughout Tempe will be swapped out or upgraded with new, automated technology that can track water use in real time. City Council approved the project this summer and the work will take place over the next few years. This will be the first fully automated system in the Valley.
“Using technology to provide better service to our residents is a smart move,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. “This project is also a sustainable move. It will ultimately give all Tempe residents a tool to identify leaks as they happen, helping to conserve water and prevent unexpected charges on monthly bills.”
Currently water meters are read manually, once a month, making it challenging to identify leaks or unusual water use in a timely manner. Manual meter reads also require extensive driving since a staff member has to drive by each meter. Once the new meter end points are in place, city staff will be able to see water meter readings in real time, from a remote location, eliminating the need to drive down every city street.
Future plans include a resident portal that will allow Tempeans to access and monitor their own water use. The portal is still in the planning process.
Tempe’s installation contractor, Metering Services Inc., will be conducting the swap outs and upgrades over the next several years. No service interruptions are expected. Residents will be notified on their monthly bill when their meter has been upgraded making it possible for their water use to be tracked in real time.