Water Meter Installation: Meters and Meter Reading Systems
Basic Meter Systems
Essentially, most multi-family or multi-unit structures have one of two basic types of meter installations. They are:
- Master Meter: This is by far the most common existing meter system. Installation of this type ensures the existence of a single bill for the entire building. The master meter requires one reading. The owner of the building receives the bill then allots it out in one of several fashions, frequently incorporating the estimated cost of water into each person’s monthly rent.
- Sub Meter: Increasingly popular is a sub meter. Installing a sub meter system involves setting up a meter for each of the units. The billing company then sends the statement to them and not to the owner. Under this system, each of the units manages their own water usage and is accountable for their own bill.
At ABT Water Management, we understand the pros and cons of both systems. We are readily capable of both types of water meter installation. We are also aware of the current conflict among owners, utility companies and utility management companies about whether to convert to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) or to run an automatic meter reading (AMR).
Water Meter Installation and Operation: AMI vs. AMR
(AMI) is an integrated system that combines smart meters, communication networks and data management systems. Its purpose is to put into place a system that allows the water system and the customers to communicate. AMR is a system that automatically reads the meters but does not involve a dialogue between the meter and the consumer. It is unidirectional. Many water companies fail to see the advantage to having AMI. While they are willing to employ some smart meter technology, they are unwilling to see the benefits that installing and operating AMI technology can bring to the table.
As long as AMR provides the utility provider or manager with the criterion they need – including water usage, accurate billing and information concerning leaking and even water fraud – many companies are content to remain with AMR and not switch to AMI. While AMR is fulfilling some of the desirable results sought by water conservationists and cost-effective measures needed by owners, it may suffer from some drawbacks as technology improves.
At ABT Water Management, we are aware of the ongoing changes that will affect our client base. We consider the benefits of every system and look at many of our water meter installation jobs on a case-by-case basis. In this way, we can ensure our customers and their tenants can avail themselves of the best options currently offered.