Skip to main content Skip to site navigation

EMWD Completes Shift to Smart Metering Technology

Post
EMWD celebrates completion of the switch to smart meters program.

Perris, CA (May 9, 2019) — Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) has completed the installation of smart meters at all residential properties within its service area, allowing EMWD to provide further resources to its customers to better monitor their water usage.

EMWD’s Board of Directors supported the acceleration of its Automated Metering Infrastructure program through additional funding in recent years to help expedite the years-long project that involved upgrading more than 150,000 water meters.

“This is a historic milestone in the history of our District,” EMWD President Ron Sullivan said. “By investing in advanced metering technology, we have the ability to help our customers better understand their water use and become more efficient in their homes and businesses.”

EMWD installed 22,000 smart meters between 2008 and 2014. Since 2015, 133,000 smart meters were installed, as well as supporting infrastructure such as regional transmission towers and a meter data management system. Next, EMWD will be investing in technologies to assist customers in accessing their own water use information.

Smart meters provide a range of benefits to EMWD customers, including the ability to obtain real-time water use information and leak detection services. Since 2016, more than 33,000 customers have been contacted about potential leaks at their properties and more than 95 percent of those customers have taken steps to resolve the issue, saving themselves money and preserving precious water resources.

The project’s May completion coincides with Water Awareness Month and serves as an example of EMWD’s commitment to implement industry-leading technologies that improve the customers’ experience while improving cost efficiency. Smart meters provide cost savings through a more efficient staffing model and a significant reduction in fuel costs associated with manually reading meters.

# # #

Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to approximately 827,000 people living and working within a 555-square mile service area in western Riverside County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency and its mission is “To deliver value to our customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.” More information can be found at www.emwd.org.