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1. How do Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters work?

With the new advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meters, water consumption information will be collected wirelessly over a secure radio frequency by the water utility. Since AMI meters collect water consumption information around the clock, customers will have the convenience of checking their current water use any time through a secure website. With this knowledge, they will be able to adjust their consumption habits, and/or identify leaks before the bill arrives. AMI meters will not transmit any personal information or interfere with electronic or medical devices.

2. Can the endpoint be recharged with solar so it can keep going?

The endpoints are not designed to be recharged with solar power. The sealed batteries will provide sufficient power for up to 20 years.

3. Does this mean utility crews will no longer need to access my yard?

No, your yard has a utility easement which gives the Utilities the right to access their infrastructure. One of the goals of the AMI program is to reduce the number of times we need to access your yard, but our crews and contractors will still need to access the water infrastructure from time to time.

4. How long is a water meter expected to last?

Water meters can last decades, however, accuracy always declines regardless of the water meter brand. Water meters slow down as they get older. North Miami Beach complies with industry standards which encourage water utilities to replace meters every 10 years.

5. How long will the endpoint battery last?

The battery has a life expectancy of 20 years based on hourly readings.

6. What is an endpoint?

An endpoint is device transmitting meter reading information to a secure network.

7. Will the batteries leak?

They are sealed batteries, approximately the size of two AA-sized batteries.

8. Does this mean my bill will be increasing?

Not necessarily, the new meters will simply record water consumption more accurately. In some cases a customer may see a water bill increase, which would be an indication that the old meter was under-reporting usage. The new AMI meters will ensure accuracy for all the water service customers in the North Miami Beach Water Utility distribution system from this point forward.

9. Is there any special care or maintenance that I need to do to my new meter?

No, your new meter does not require any maintenance by the homeowner. As before, the North Miami Beach water utility will take care of all maintenance.

10. My meter has already been upgraded. Why are meter readers still coming to read them?

It will take a full year to get the entire Fixed Network infrastructure in place to enable the collection of the wireless reads. In the meantime, meter readers will still need to come read your meter each billing cycle.

11. I still have questions, where can I get additional information?

The water utility is working with Pedal Valves, Inc. to answer any questions as thoroughly as possible.

Contact phone numbers are listed below:

North Miami Beach Water Utility Neighborhood Coordinator: 

• Phone: 305-919-3756

Pedal Valves, Inc.: 

• Phone: 786-763-3154