What is Automated Meter Reading? Automated meter reading, or AMR, is the technology of collecting data via direct transmission from water meter or energy metering devices (gas, electric) and transferring that data to a central database for billing and/or analyzing.
How It Works: Each installed Firefly within the Mosaic network area transmits a low level signal through radio frequency to the nearest gateway. A gateway is a data collector that sends its collected data to the web based Mosaic system via the internet. District staff is able to view meter usage and obtain billing information from the Mosaic system. Every meter in our network, with its Firefly attached, acts as a signal repeater, able to relay not only its own information to the gateway, but also the information from neighboring meters. Mosaic’s dynamic routing automatically guides data around obstructions, like hills or a dense cluster of buildings. As new meters with Fireflys are added to the network, they self determine the most efficient path to the nearest gateway. There’s no limit to the number of “hops” the data can make on its way to the gateway. This gives the network virtually unlimited ways to get the signal from any meter to a gateway, and from there to the District office.
How We Benefit: Mosaic can alert the District to anomalies such as high usage, leaks, and tampering. Another exciting advantage is that the signals are able to transmit through snow. This will allow the District to bill based on actual water usage throughout the winter. Also, over time, the District will be able to assemble detailed water use profiles and streamline water conservation efforts and outreach. Due to the increased efficiency of operations provided by Automated Meter Reading, we estimate that we will save nearly $500,000 per year in related operational costs.
Read information here about the District's AMR program!
AMR Program Saving Water! (posted January, 2010)
AMR Program Nearing Completion! (posted October, 2008)
AMR Pilot Program a Success! (posted August, 2008)
AMR Pilot Program Nearing Completion (posted July, 2008)
AMR Program Set to (fire)Fly! (posted June, 2008)
Datamatics MOSAIC web site
Meter lid with Firefly radio transmitter
