Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project
Project Overview
The City of Fargo has partnered with Core & Main and VEPO Metering to implement a city-wide water meter upgrade to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. This upgrade includes the replacement of all the water meters in the city of Fargo. The AMI project will improve the City's water metering system and will allow City staff and customers to better manage water resources. The project will exchange the majority of the City's aging water meters with new meters that provide timely water usage data, improved leak detection and enhanced customer service.
The replacement project begins in September 2024 and will continue through 2026. All work will occur in phases based on property locations. Controlled mailings will be issued to customers based on strategically planned phases and inventory availability.
What is AMI?
AMI collects, measures, communicates and analyzes water use data from treatment through delivery to customers.
- A customer's water meter measures and records the customer's water usage.
- The hourly usage data is transmitted to the water utility and is updated on a regular, short interval.
- The water usage data is available to customers through an online dashboard or application accessible on computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Benefits of Water Meter Replacement
- Customers and City staff will have 24/7 access to water usage information. Staff will be able to communicate online with water meters for real-time reads. Customers will be able to view consumption history to better manage their water use and potentially reduce water/sewer billings.
- The new AMI water meter system provides on-demand readings, compared to once a month.
- The AMI software detects water leaks on the customer's side of the meter so they can be repaired quickly. Usage alerts can also be set up to be automatically sent to the property owner when continuous water flow is identified to prevent property damage resulting from undetected leaks.
- The new meters are highly accurate and have a 20-year warranty on parts/accuracy.
- Account transfer and shutoff readings are real-time.
- City employees who currently conduct manual reads will be able to perform other services. Customer Service staff calls will decline as customers transition to using the available online information.
What Property Owners Can Expect
Replacement will occur in phases based on property locations.
Property owners will receive a “Notice to Schedule Appointment” from VEPO Metering prior to replacement beginning in their area. Once notice is received, property owners will need to contact VEPO Metering to schedule their meter replacement appointment. VEPO will also place door hangers on residents front doors as a reminder to schedule an appointment.
VEPO technicians will arrive to your home during your scheduled appointment in a marked vehicle with proper identification.
Reminders:
- The technician will need access to the inside of your home. The property owner (or their representative, 18 years of age or older) must be present during the appointment.
- Know where your water meter is located in your home. Water meters are typically found in basements, utility closets, cabinets or crawlspaces.
- Make sure your water meter is easily accessible to the technician, with nothing blocking their access, and that there is enough space for the technician to work.
- Installation will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. During your appointment, they will remove your old water meter and install a new water meter.
- We kindly ask that you secure your pet(s) and refrain from allowing them to interact with the technician during the installation appointment.
- There is no additional cost to the customer for this upgrade.