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Automated Meter Reading (AMR) is the use of radios to read meters via a drive-by or a fixed <br /> base receiver. This makes use of radio frequency to read and store data on every metered <br /> account that is set up in our distribution system. This data would be stored in a laptop device <br /> specific to this methodology. The technology that is currently available for AMR would have a <br /> profound effect on our situation. Every aspect of the outlined issues would be addressed in a <br /> positive fashion. <br /> Human Error: The transfer of data from the meter to billing software is all done electronically. <br /> No interpretation of information is needed on a personal basis. <br /> Personnel Coverage: Virtually any Public Works crewmember could drive our system. The <br /> reading is done via radio that downloads meter information on the fly. <br /> Timely Reading/Billing: Readings will be done in less than one day, allowing single billing <br /> runs. <br /> Static Information: The new"smart"meter provides data points that can identify low/high <br /> flows,tampering, back flow,or leaks, and generate reports for each meter needing attention. <br /> This would limit revenue loss due to any of these situations. Reports can be customized to be <br /> generated for any of these situations immediately upon receiving the readings. <br /> Alternatives: <br /> The alternatives were to either do the project or not do the project. There are several different <br /> AMR equipment suppliers but essentially all provide the similar equipment and results. <br /> Therefore,the best alternative is to move forward with replacing the outdated meters and move <br /> into the AMR realm. The following supports this conclusion. <br /> Operational cost savings and increased revenues would be realized as a result of this upgrade. <br /> Operational savings would result from the reduction of two full-time (FT) personnel and their <br /> associated vehicular costs to a 0.1 FT position. This remaining 0.9 FT position would be brought <br /> into the Public Works distribution program to fill a void that has been in place for some time <br /> now. The reality of these changes and costs are identified in the attached spreadsheet. <br /> Increased revenues would result from the replacement of all of our meter stock. Lost revenues, <br /> due to under-metering by aged devices, would be realized. This is based on water industry <br /> assumptions of a system of our size and consumption data. <br /> Secondarily, unbilled and unmetered irrigation water being used by the Parks & Recreation <br /> Department would be billed to support this project. This would be a calculated rate based on <br /> similar factors used for the Ute Mountain Tribe, as a percentage of total raw water flows and <br /> shared treatment costs. Using this formula, Parks would be charged at a rate of $1.37/1000 <br /> gallons; a savings of approximately$20,000 versus the current flat rate. <br /> It would work out to an estimated savings of approximately $69,000 and increased revenues of <br /> $100,000;totaling$169,000 annually. <br /> 6 <br />