Challenges
Before the City of Carthage AMI Water Meter Conversion project began, the city faced a range of persistent issues with its water utility infrastructure. The water system relied on an aging mix of manually read meters and drive-by AMR units, resulting in a complex inventory of over 3,000 meters of varying sizes and types. Many meter boxes were damaged or had become sunken over time, requiring replacements that varied depending on their locations, with some meters embedded in grass, set in concrete, or situated in high-traffic areas.
Data management was difficult with outdated systems, and there was a pressing need for better coordination to minimize customer impacts and ensure compliance with industry standards. These issues highlighted the need for a thorough replacement of the city’s water metering and data management systems.
Solutions
Performance Services addressed these challenges with an adaptive strategy. Recognizing the difficulties posed by varied topography and remote areas, the project implemented a hybrid AMI system: fixed base infrastructure was established in densely populated zones, while cellular communication covered outlying regions, reducing infrastructure costs and ensuring reliable data transmission.
The scope also included extensive manhole rehabilitation to mitigate inflow and infiltration (I&I) problems in the wastewater system, supporting the integrity of water distribution. Lift station monitoring was introduced, providing remote insights that minimized the need for frequent site visits and helped prevent emergency repairs. Additionally, pressure monitoring was arranged to identify commercial water usage patterns that placed undue stress on city pipes, allowing the utility to collaborate with customers and reduce the risk of pipe damage.
As part of the project, nearly all water meters were replaced with advanced AMI-enabled ultrasonic meters for enhanced billing accuracy and data-driven management of both water and wastewater systems.
Results
- New water meter system: New infrastructure delivers greater accuracy and operational efficiency for the City of Carthage.
- Enhanced billing precision: AMI meters offer reliable water usage measurement and billing transparency.
- Regulatory compliance: System improvements meet the latest EPA standards and anticipate future requirements.
- Proactive water conservation: Advanced metering enables early detection of leaks or irregularities.
- Comprehensive documentation: Detailed data management boosts system integrity.
