The current meter equipment is reaching the end of its planned service life with the last system-wide replacement taking place nearly two decades ago.
In 2023, PWD began evaluating the existing meters and meter reading system. The review revealed increased wear and aging of metering equipment, prompting a thorough needs assessment and technology evaluation in collaboration with an industry consultant. AMI emerged as the long-term solution, employing the latest technology in meter systems to support modern operations and evolving customer expectations.
To implement this upgrade, PWD has partnered with Core & Main to deliver a complete AMI solution, featuring Sensus (non-mechanical) water meters and VEPO Metering for professional installation services. The installer will contact customers directly to schedule appointments, beginning soon and progressing throughout the PWD service area. There are no additional out-of-pocket costs for installation or meter equipment. The cost is factored into rates.
“This project impacts every customer since meters are located inside homes and businesses,” said Scott Firmin, General Manager at the Portland Water District. “We selected a contractor with a strong track record of customer service and safety.” All installers will carry identification, wear uniforms, and drive clearly marked vehicles. Customers can request an electronic photo ID notification of the technician prior to the appointment.”
The new AMI system will provide a secure and reliable method of collecting water consumption data via a FlexNet communication network. This technology will allow for streamlined billing, improved leak detection, operational efficiencies, and improved customer service.
In addition to operational improvements, customers will benefit from a new online portal that allows easy access to billing, usage data, alerts, and conservation programs thereby putting more information and control directly into the hands of the customer. The portal will be launched later in the project.
This project reflects PWD’s ongoing commitment to investing in innovative, customer-focused infrastructure that meets the current and future needs of the Greater Portland region. Firmin said.
The Portland Water District maintains a 1,000-mile network of water mains ranging from 60 inches to 2 inches, pump stations, and reservoirs that bring water from Sebago Lake to homes and businesses in Maine. Large mains for transmission extend from PWD’s treatment facility near Standish to Westbrook and Portland.
The district also operates four wastewater treatment plants, providing treatment and collection services to customers and keeps about 25 million gallons of water in storage to help maintain proper pressure and allow for a water reserve in case of an emergency, like a fire or a flood. It serves about 200,000 people across 11 communities and because of that, PWD must ensure that Sebago Lake water quality is of utmost importance.
Sebago Lake itself is more than 300 feet in depth and contains nearly 1 trillion gallons of water which is considered of excellent quality. The source of water in Sebago Lake originates in the Sebago Lake Watershed, which is more than 50 miles long, stretching from Bethel to Standish and includes parts of 24 towns including the towns of Windham and Raymond. The excellent water quality of the Sebago Lake Watershed is attributed to surrounding forest lands that act as a natural filter for the watershed.
A century-old company, Portland Water District is rich in history and experience. That tradition forms a solid foundation for delivering quality products, while forward thinking provides innovative approaches to combat emerging issues. It is an independent quasi-municipality, serving nearly 200,000 people with more than 50,000 customers in 11 Greater Portland communities. PWD delivers water service to Falmouth, Raymond, Scarborough, South Portland, Standish, and Windham, and provide both water and wastewater service to Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Gorham, Portland and Westbrook.
For more information, visit the PWD website at www.pwd.org/AMI. There, you can find more details including a video outlining what customers can expect during a water meter appointment. <
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