FPUD approves meter replacements; new technology features "real time" usage tracking

The Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD) will begin an update of its remote-read water meters.

A 5-0 FPUD board vote July 27 authorized $234,000 for the purchase of Badger meters from National Meter and Automation, Inc., and $122,650.20 for additional 100-watt radio-based endpoints from Choice Connect Fixed Network Promotion. The new meters and radio-based endpoints will allow the existing drive-by radio-read meters to be replaced with fixed advanced metering infrastructure meters.

"This is the initial funding for a five-year program of replacing our meters with an upgraded radio network," said FPUD general manager Brian Brady.

FPUD's meter reading system was converted to a drive-by system in 2002. That system allowed more accurate reads and reduced the amount of staff needed to read meters. Those meters are beginning to exceed their expected lifespan and will require replacement for FPUD to continue to meet American Water Works Association accuracy standards.

FPUD staff conducted extensive testing on various meters whose manufacturers included Badger, Elster, Mater Meter, and Sensus. The tests subjected the meters to extremely high flows, extremely low flows, consistent high flows, and high pressures. The Badger meters met the testing requirements and were deemed best suited for FPUD's needs.

The Rancho California Water District recently installed Badger meters utilizing Itron radio-based endpoints, and the new meters are being read without complications. The Rainbow Municipal Water District is also involved in a meter exchange program which uses Badger meters with Itron endpoints, so if the proposed merger between FPUD and Rainbow occurs the combined district would be using the same meter reading programs.

The newer technology includes real-time tracking which will allow customers to track water usage and identify leaks. "One of the main improvements with this meter system is that, when completed, customers will be able to directly see their actual meter usage on a real-time basis," Brady said.

FPUD budgeted $400,000 for the transition. The $357,043.20 approved by the July 27 vote includes sales tax. FPUD worked with the manufacturers to ensure that the pricing was competitive compared to other meter systems and to other districts' pricing. FPUD staff rather than contractors will be used for the meter replacements.