Fredericksburg Completes Phase 1 of Smart Water Meter Upgrade

Fredericksburg has successfully completed the first phase of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project, marking a significant advancement in the city's water management system.

On September 23, city officials gathered to celebrate the installation of nearly 8,800 smart water meters across residential and commercial properties. This $4.5 million initiative aims to modernize water usage monitoring and improve leak detection capabilities.

Previously, approximately 3,700 water meters required manual readings, a labor-intensive process. With the new smart meters, data is transmitted multiple times daily over a secure cellular network, enhancing billing accuracy and operational efficiency. This technological upgrade is projected to save the city around $150,000 annually in labor costs.

Mayor Kerry Devine highlighted the project's impact, stating, "This project marks another transformative moment for the City’s public utilities. It helps us deliver better service while saving money."

The city collaborated with Badger Meter and Concord Utility Services to complete the installations ahead of schedule and under budget. Residents can expect minimal disruption during the installation process, with most meter replacements taking approximately 30 minutes.

Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the AMI Project is set to launch next year. This phase will introduce the "Eye on Water" app, empowering customers to monitor their water usage in real-time, promoting conservation and proactive leak management.

For more information on the AMI Meter Project, residents are encouraged to visit the city's official website or contact the Public Works Department directly.