The Maryville Water Department has nearly completed conversion of its water meters to Automatic Meter Reading capability. We're already reading over 75% of our meters quickly, efficiently and accurately using the latest in AMR technology.

The Automatic Meter Reading system enables us to save money every year in meter reading costs. Along with some other changes we're working on, we'll be able to provide our customers with better information about water use, more accurate billings, and keep rates as low as we can.

AMR stands for Automatic Meter Reading. Many utilities are using AMR as a way of improving customer service while reducing the cost of reading meters. Because the AMR system greatly reduces our meter reading and meter maintenance costs, the system will pay for itself very quickly, so there will be no charge to existing customers and no rate increase to cover the cost of the project.

The Village of Maryville has chosen an AMR system that uses miniature radio transmitters attached to the water meter. We are able to collect the readings from handheld radio receivers while walking or from moving vehicles. With this process, one driver in a truck is able to read more meters in one day than our previous staff could. And there won't be nearly as many problems from snow and meters that are hard to get to.

The key to the system is a device called an ERT - Encoder-Receiver-Transmitter. This device is connected directly to a special electronic register on the water meter. Normally, the "50W" ERT’s do nothing - they "sleep," waiting for the meter reader to approach. The new "60W" ERT’s now send out a signal every 9 seconds for better communication with the handheld device. The meter reader's handheld reading device sends out a continuous "wake up" signal or reads the ERT’s that are continuously sending out the signal. When an ERT receives Maryville Water Department’s wake up signal, it checks the reading on the meter register, encodes it into a digital signal, and begins transmitting its identification number and the current reading. After a few minutes, the 50W ERT stops transmitting and goes back "to sleep," waiting for the next time we need a meter reading. The 60W ERT keeps transmitting every 9 seconds, this takes less time for the meter reader to gather the information required. The handheld computer system matches the ERT identification number with your property and records the reading. At the end of the day, the meter reader unloads the information to our billing system.

An ERT is a wholly contained electronic device designed to read the meter register and transmit the signal. The radio signals used to wake up the ERT and to transmit the signals are very weak, operating in the 900 MHz band - the same kind of radio signals used for cordless phones and garage door openers. The devices are powered by two long-lasting "AA" cell batteries, designed to last 15 to 20 years.

The Pit ERT may mount directly on the cast iron lid of a water meter pit or be located under the water meter pit lid. It is sturdy enough to stand up to the weather and a certain amount of traffic load. The ERT looks like a black mushroom with a 7-inch or 3-inch diameter cap and a 2-inch diameter "stem" that passes through a hole in the lid. A wire connects the ERT to the meter register. The pit ERT sticks up about ¾ inch above the cast iron lid, and is lower in other types of lids. It is very important that you take care not to damage it with lawnmowers, lawn aerators and snow blowers. If the ERT is damaged on your property you a bill will be sent to person whose name is on the account. In most cases, we will use a lid that has a ¾ inch recess to hold the ERT so it is flush with the lid.

It is important that our customers not relocate an ERT once it has been mounted. We will need to have access to the ERT for future maintenance and replacement. Don't place soil or flower pots or rocks on top of pit ERTs, and don't enclose remote ERTs behind walls.

No, that's not quite right. Occasionally a Maryville Water Department field service technician may need to service the ERT or the meter if it isn't working properly, and we'll have to change the battery in 15 or 20 years.

The biggest change is that the meter reader won't be coming by to look at your meter any more. You'll still get your bill on the same schedule as before. Things will be just about the same as they've been before. There are a few things you can do to take care of your ERT.

If you have a pit ERT mounted on the top of the meter pit lid in your yard or driveway, be careful not to run over it with a lawn mower or snow blower. Don't bury the ERT or the meter pit, and don't place objects on top of the ERT. We will still need access to your meter and ERT from time-to-time, and objects on the ERT may block the very weak radio signal.

We've found the greatest hazard to a pit ERT is any lawn machinery. Even our special recessed meter pit lids can't protect these electronic devices from the sharp devices on lawn machinery. If you hire someone to take care of your lawn, be sure to remind them not to run over the meter pit. If the ERT is broken by a lawn mower, or some other device, it will cause you to receive bill for repairs

By Village of Maryville ordinances you are not allowed to open your water meter pit. The ERT is connected to the meter by a wire that could be broken or pulled out of the ERT. If the ERT is damaged, we'll have to replace it at your expense.

Landscaping around the meter pit or anything else around the meter pit is not allowed by village ordinances also. If you have any questions about your meter pit, call our Water Department at 618-345-7027 ext. 1 and ask that a field service technician meet with you.

You should also be careful not to damage the wire from the meter to the ERT. If we receive a "broken cable" alert from the ERT, we will have to replace the wire at your expense.

If you ever have any questions about your ERT, please call Maryville Water Department at 618-345-7027 ext. 1. If the water clerk cannot answer your question, we'll send a field technician to meet with you.

 Water Meter ERT.

Sincerely,

Patrick C Presson / Public Works Director