AMR Frequently Asked Questions

General AMR Questions

What is AMR?

The installation of a citywide automated meter reading (AMR) network is an important next step in the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s comprehensive transformation of its Bureau of Customer Service. AMR systems consist of small, low-power radio transmitters connected to individual water meters that send readings to a network of rooftop receivers throughout the city. DEP’s system will leverage the Department of Information, Technology and Telecommunication’s (DoITT’s) New York City Wireless Network (NYCWiN).

How does AMR work?

DEP will attach a small device to your water meter that automatically transmits readings to electronic data receivers throughout the city. These receivers will provide DEP with all relevant billing information and eliminate the need for water meter readers to visit your property.

How does AMR benefit me?

• AMR eliminates, with rare exceptions, the need to estimate your bill.
• DEP’s AMR website lets you track your consumption and can alert you to costly leaks.
• AMR eliminates the need for a water meter reader to visit your premises.
• AMR ensures that you receive an accurate bill.

How will AMR affect my bill?

AMR will eliminate estimated bills and increase billing accuracy. AMR can also help alert you to household leaks so you are able to fix them before they become costly problems. You will continue to receive your water and sewer bills in the mail in accordance with your normal billing schedule, though DEP is also finalizing a new, customer-friendly bill that will explain consumption data in a clear, easy to read format. We anticipate that you will begin receiving these bills in 2009.

When will an AMR transmitter be installed on my meter?

DEP contractors are performing transmitter installation door-to-door beginning in the winter of 2009. Installing transmitters on all 834,000 water meters in New York City will take approximately three years. You will receive a letter from DEP when AMR installation contractors are in your neighborhood. In addition, you may call 311 at any time to get a Contractor referral to schedule a transmitter installation – performed by DEP contractors – for your property.

Will DEP need access to my home?

DEP may need to enter your home, depending on where your current water meter is installed; and we may need to shut off your water. In addition, a very small number of old water meters may need to be replaced before an AMR transmitter can be properly installed. DEP will pay for these replacements.

How long will the installation take?

Installation of the transmitter will take around 30 minutes.

What happens during the installation?

For a walkthrough of what to expect during the installation of the transmitter click here.

What are the benefits of AMR to DEP?

• AMR increases customer satisfaction by ensuring that bills are based on actual usage.
• AMR allows DEP to more closely monitor citywide consumption and more effectively manage the city’s water supply systems.
• AMR is a less expensive way to read water meters especially those where monthly readings may be difficult or inconvenient. It is efficient, accurate and can reduce costs.

Does AMR equipment meet industry and Federal standards?

Yes. AMR technology is designed to function at very low power levels and is in widespread use throughout the utility industry. We will use AMR equipment that has been tested and is compliant with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) standards. Similar systems are already used by many other major cities, including Dallas, Detroit and Washington, D.C.

Will AMR interfere with TV, personal computers, or other electronic equipment?

AMR equipment operates on a low-power frequency band reserved specifically for this purpose. It is highly unlikely to interfere with the operation of any other electronic equipment.

Does the AMR transmitter run on electricity?

No, AMR transmitters run on batteries with a 20 year lifespan.

Where can I find more information about DEP’s AMR system?

AMR Online Application Questions

How do I register to see my water usage online?

Registering to access your AMR is quick and easy. Go to our website at www.nyc.gov/dep. Click on the ‘My DEP Account’ button and complete the simple registration process to create a user account. Then you’re on the AMR website!

Why are there no reads, just estimates on certain times or days?

Over 99% of all AMR readings are received without disruption. However, there are times when DEP is unable to receive the water meter’s signal. On these rare occurrences, the consumption graph will eitherindicate “Read not Available” or an average consumption will be displayed based on the next reading that is received. Because the AMR system sends daily water meter readings, isolated disruptions will not affect your water bill.

Why are my meter reads taken at different times of the day?

AMR water meter readings are taken at different times of the day to ensure that radio frequencies are transmitted and received properly.

How does DEP use AMR to bill me?

There is no change in the regular billing process. You will continue to be billed as you have before. AMR ensures that your bills are accurate and eliminates the needs for a water meter reader to visit your premises to take a reading.

Can I monitor another person’s water usage online?

When a friend or relative sets up their account on the AMR website, they can delegate you as an authorized user. All they will need is your email address. Once they have delegated access to you, the system will automatically notify you via email. This email will provide you with a username and password that will allow youto monitor water consumption.

What are some actions I can take to conserve more water?

For helpful information about Water Conservation, please visit our website at www.nyc.gov/dep and click on “Ways to Save Water” link in the left column of the home page. DEP can also provide you with a Water Conservation Kit that contains dye tablets to check for leaks from toilet tanks. The kitincludes water saver shower heads, faucet aerators, and toilet flush reducers.

How can I use the AMR website to check for leaks?

You should look at the ‘Daily Usage for Month’ on the Water Consumption tab. This chart shows your daily use for any designated month. From here, you can see if there is any unusual change in water usage. Leaks are often progressive and can show up as a steady increase in daily usage. You can also look at the ‘Hourly Usage by Day’ chart. If you see that water usage is displayed during times you know that no wateris being used on the property, this is a good indication that there may be a leak.