Missouri American Water is beginning to replace all water meters in homes, beginning with the older meters, with Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters.
The AMI system uses a small radio device to periodically transmit low-power radio signals from the water meters to receivers mounted on water tanks or utility poles, according to the company. One of these poles was recently installed near Sutton and Zephyr.
The system allows monitoring a customer’s usage continually. If a slow continuous flow is seen, such as a toilet flowing, they’ll email the customer, according to the employee who installed one on Marietta Avenue on Thursday.
The meter shows water being used in gallons rather than cubic feet, making it easier for customers to understand.
Missouri American Water plans to have all meters in the area replaced in five years.
