Frequently Asked Questions
Whose meters will be upgraded to AMI?
Our goal is to equip all water customers in the City of Petaluma’s service area with upgraded AMI metering technology by the end of 2025. A pilot program launched in 2022 in which 58 monitors were installed throughout Petaluma on City-owned properties, City staff residences, and high-use water customers around town. Pilot customers have reported they are loving the new meters and are finding them helpful in their water conservation efforts.
What do I have to do to upgrade to AMI?
Nothing! The transmitter currently attached to your meter will be replaced with an AMI transmitter by City staff as part of the roll-out of our citywide upgrade in the coming months and years. The lid of your meter box may be replaced as well. No action is required on your part.
Do I have to upgrade to AMI?
No. An opt out option will be available. Please sign up using the form on the right if you would like to learn more about the program or ways to opt out.
How do I access the Eye on Water portal?
CLICK HERE to learn how.
Will this change the way my water data is collected?
No. There will be no changes to how you are billed for water service.
Is my information private?
Yes. The only data transmitted are your radio number, dial number, and your meter reading. Personal customer information is not transmitted.
Who is paying for AMI?
The City of Petaluma has received grant funding from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to help with the transition to AMI. This funding will be applied toward the cost of the new meters and their installation.
How can I read my meter?
Once an AMI meter is installed, you can continue to read your meter as usual. CLICK HERE to learn more about how to read your water meter.
Will AMI interfere with devices in my home?
No. The wireless portions of the system are operated according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, and will not interfere with other radio frequencies in the area.
What kind of signal does AMI use?
The radio devices, which are attached to the meters, transfer the service data via wireless signal. The energy exposure from an automated meter’s radio signal or radio frequency (RF) is significantly less than common household devices, including cell phones, laptops, microwaves, baby monitors and internet routers. It is also important to understand that automated meters only transmit signals four times a day for less than a fraction of a second each time, unlike household devices that often transmit continuously, such as those in the image below.
The devices do not exceed health and safety standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for energy emission levels. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Barbara
