Why is the City of Denton replacing water meters?

The meter replacement is a key component of the City of Denton Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Solution, which will minimize non-revenue water losses, reduce recurring operating costs, and improve efficiency through enhanced analytics. It will also provide a customer-facing web portal where you can view your water usage, empowering you to manage your water usage and be notified of unusual spikes that could indicate a leak.

What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?

With Advanced Metering Infrastructure, called AMI for short, every customer’s water meter within our service area will be able to reliably measure the use of water in your home or business and automatically send a brief, private, digital message to a data collection tower using a cellular signal—much like a cellphone does now. The cell tower then transmits all meter reads to the City of Denton Water Utilities Department, where the information is processed within its billing system.

I don't get great cellular reception at my house. Will this affect my water meter?

No. Despite using existing cellular infrastructure, the meter is not using the same signal as your cell phone.

How will AMI benefit the City of Denton Water Utilities Department?

Installing automated meters will enhance our customer service by minimizing the potential for missed or inaccurate reads—allowing our customers to have confidence in the bills they receive. We are excited to adopt AMI because it will enable us to provide faster service, better information and reliable bills for all our customers.

How will AMI benefit me?

AMI technology ensures that customers pay only for the water they use—no more and no less. By ensuring that your bill is based on actual usage, AMI technology eliminates billing based on estimated reads. AMI improves accuracy by eliminating the potential for human error in manual meter reading. It can also help to identify any irregularities in water usage, such as leaks. The City of Denton Water Utilities Department and its customers can be alerted to abrupt or abnormal changes in water usage much earlier than previously possible, potentially saving customers hundreds or even thousands of dollars from an undetected leak. It will also remove the need for someone to come onto your property for manual meter readings, increasing the privacy of your home.

How much will this upgrade cost me?

There is no cost to customers for the AMI upgrade.

What type of system is being installed?

We have selected E-Series® Ultrasonic Meters with ORION® Cellular Endpoints from Badger Meter.

When will this project begin and when will it end

The meter replacement portion of the project is expected to begin in summer 2026 with an expected completion in late 2028.

Who will be replacing the meter?

The City of Denton Water Utilities Department has contracted with Texas Meter & Device Co. for much of the meter replacement work.

What is involved in a typical meter replacement?

The meter replacement will be performed by a contracted installer. All installation personnel will present photo identification and will be driving a clearly marked vehicle. The installer will need access to the meter. Please be sure there are no obstructions around the meter that will hamper access. You do not need to be home and you do not need to schedule an appointment to have your meter changed. Under normal circumstances, the installation will take approximately 15-30 minutes. Water service will be interrupted during this time.

Yes. The power of the radio frequency signal used is too low to pose a health risk. The products that make up the AMI system are stringently evaluated for safety and meet all standards established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The system sends a signal that can be compared to a cellular text message. It uses low-powered radio frequency (RF) to transmit data. The technology fully complies with U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines for human exposure to RF energy. The endpoints have been certified by the FCC and tested in accordance with Title 47, Part 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Food and Drug Administration and the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health have determined that the RF emitted by AMI systems is non-iodizing radiation, which doesn’t have enough energy to change the structure of molecules. That means that they are less harmful than X-rays and even ultraviolet light. Some devices that also use non-ionizing radiation include TVs, radios and remote controls.

Will the transmitter radio signal interfere with other electronics?

No, the radio transmission operates in compliance with FCC regulations to avoid interference with electronic devices.

Will my information be secure?

Yes. Your account information is secure. Data transmitted through the system is protected and proprietary communication protocols are used. Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique number is compared with account records to ensure a match. No personal account information is transmitted via radio frequency.

How accurate is my new meter?

The Badger Meter E-Series® Ultrasonic Meters meet or exceed the American National Standards Institute and the American Water Works Association standards for accuracy. All meters are tested and calibrated at the factory before shipping and come with a multi-year material and accuracy warranty.

How do you know that the meter reading is accurate?

Water utilities all over the world are adopting AMI technology, first and foremost because it provides accurate information. The reading at the meter is regularly converted into a digital format using technology that has proven to be highly reliable and secure. It improves accuracy in large part because it eliminates the potential for human error in manual meter reading.

Will my water bill increase?

As some water meters age, they can run slower and under-register water use. When we change out your current meter with a new smart meter, the first bill may be higher simply because the new meter is running more accurately.

Will I be able to access my own water consumption data?

Yes. Customers will have easy access to information about their own water consumption through a user-friendly app that allows you to compare current usage to previous periods and set email and text alerts to achieve conservation goals.

Will there be any difference in the delivery or quality of water after my meter upgrade?

No, you will continue to receive the same high-quality water you have come to expect from the City of Denton Water Utilities Department

What if I have questions about the last meter read before my upgrade?

The installer will take digital photographs of the last meter reading. Should any questions arise, our utility billing staff will have this information available to answer your inquiry.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Initiative

City of Denton launched the AMI initiative to improve water service and efficiency

The Denton City Council approved a $26 million contract with Badger Meter, LLC on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, for implementation of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) program. With implementation expected to begin in summer 2026, the initiative includes installation of an integrated system of advanced customer water meters, communication networks, and data management systems that provide real-time water-use information to both City staff and residents. Full implementation is anticipated by the end of 2028. 

In addition to enhancing day-to-day operations, the AMI program is a forward-thinking investment in Denton’s water infrastructure. By enabling more accurate measurement, early leak detection, and continuous system monitoring, the new technology will help maintain a safe and reliable water supply for future generations.

Key benefits of the rollout include:
• For Residents: Improved billing accuracy and access to detailed consumption data to help manage monthly costs
• For the City: Faster leak detection, reduced water loss, and lower long-term operational expenses
• For the Future: Enhanced monitoring to ensure a reliable water supply for Denton's growing population

Residents will receive advance notice before crews move into their neighborhood to transition the meters through a combination of direct outreach and City communication channels. While most customers will experience no service impacts, a small number may encounter brief water interruptions if the meter must be fully replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Informed

Stay in the loop with all the latest updates on upcoming engagements and project news by signing up for notifications.

Contact Us

Email Tiffany.Sherrane@cityofdenton.com

Project Timeline

Program Implementation

Summer 2026

Program implementation is expected to begin in summer 2026 and will include replacing existing water meters throughout the community with the advanced meters.

Full Implementation

End of 2028

Full implementation is anticipated by the end of 2028. Residents will receive advance notice before crews move into their neighborhood to transition the meters through a combination of direct outreach and city communication channels. While most customers will experience no service impacts, a small number may encounter brief water interruptions if the meter must be fully replaced.