Water AMI

Project overview

Beginning this summer, we are upgrading about 30,000 water meters across our water service area to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. This upgrade will provide more detailed usage data, faster leak detection and improved customer service while reducing operational costs and water loss.

For more than 15 years, we have installed AMI‑compatible meters in preparation for future infrastructure that can make our utility more efficient and responsive. We are now moving forward with full implementation by replacing remaining non-compatible meters and retrofitting compatible meters with hardware that allows remote data transmission.

The AMI conversion plan includes every customer in our water service area. Conversions will take place in phases. Customers will receive advance notifications when work is scheduled in their area.

Why are we upgrading?

The transition to AMI is an important step in modern water utility management. It improves efficiency, accuracy and customer engagement. By automating the collection and transmission of water use information, AMI removes the need for manual meter reading, reduces the chance of human error and lowers emissions from traditional reading methods.

AMI supports our commitment to reliable, high-quality service. It will give the City, and eventually customers with the addition of a customer portal in 2027, detailed water use information to help make informed decisions, detect leaks earlier and participate in conservation efforts that save water and money. AMI improves billing processes and speeds up meter reading with fewer manual re-reads.

AMI also supports long-term sustainability and resource management. It gives the City the information needed to plan infrastructure investments and protect water resources. AMI has become the modern standard for water utilities and helps create a smarter, more responsive and more sustainable water system for the community

Benefits

AMI will offer several benefits to the City and customers over conventional meters.

• Transparent billing: AMI provides hourly water use data and eliminates estimated bills, improving transparency and fairness. Customers will eventually be able to track use and adjust habits to support efficient water use and potential cost savings.
• Early leak detection & alerts: AMI identifies abnormal water use quickly and can notify staff within about 24-48 hours instead of a month. Faster detection reduces water loss and helps customers and the utility avoid unnecessary costs.
• Improved customer service: Staff can resolve issues more efficiently with better data, and customers can view detailed use information by request. Tools such as leak alerts, high-use alerts and temperature monitoring help us identify issues, reduce expenses and protect property.
• Operational efficiency: Remote readings reduce manual labor and eliminate estimated reads during severe weather. The system improves accuracy, reduces human error and allows staff to focus on higher-value maintenance and planning.
• Environmental benefits: Remote meter reading reduces vehicle use and lowers emissions. Better data helps customers and the utility reduce water waste and support long-term conservation goals.
• Infrastructure planning & system reliability: AMI provides detailed use trends that support long-term planning and improve system monitoring. This helps the utility make informed decisions about maintenance and capital improvements.
• Employee and community safety: Remote operations reduce the need for in-person visits, which improves safety for employees and minimizes disruptions to homes and businesses.

Project deployment: What to expect

Please refer to the project FAQ on this page for answers to common questions and additional details.

Schedule

Citywide AMI deployment will begin in mid-2026 with a selected group of customers, which allows us to test infrastructure integration and focus on large irrigation systems or other high-use accounts. Deployment will be phased to align with the Water Division's operating budget and is expected to continue through 2030. Please see the project map below for planned installation areas.

Before installation

• A few weeks before your installation, we will send emails to customers who have an email address listed on their utility account. To update your information, please call Utility Billing at 970-962-2111. We will also leave door hangers at properties with upcoming installations.
• Please ensure your water meter is accessible by removing items that block access. Property owners are responsible for providing clear access. Bushes and overgrowth must be trimmed, and any buried utilities that limit access must be addressed.
• We know some customers may have concerns. To opt out of water AMI, you will need to complete our online form, which is expected to be available by June 1, 2026. Staff will follow up with you to discuss available options.

Installation

• Staff with City badge identification will knock on your door to let you know they are onsite to install your AMI equipment.
• All pets must be indoors, and any gates that block meter access must be unlocked.
• Most installations take 10 to 20 minutes and may require a brief water outage. Most water meters are underground in meter pits in the front yard. If your meter is indoors, staff will schedule an appointment to make the process convenient for you.
• If you need to schedule an appointment or have questions about AMI during deployment, please email WaterAMI@cityofloveland.org.

After installation

• Your meter will begin transmitting usage information that helps you manage water use and alerts staff to potential issues.
• Your consumption data will be more detailed. With this greater detail, leaks as small as a quarter gallon per minute can be detected within days instead of months. The improved level of metering will allow customers to see usage down to the single gallon rather than in 1,000-gallon increments.

Stay informed

Project progress

• If you have questions about the project, you can add them in the Questions and Answers section.
• Monthly project updates will begin in July 2026. Updates will be posted below.
• Check the project map to see where deployment is headed next. Watch your email and front door for notices related to your property.

Usage data

• To view your water use history, log in to myaccount.lovgov.org and go to the consumption tab. You can also update your contact information, view or pay your bill, and sign up for Paperless Billing and AutoPay.
• If your AMI installation is complete, you can request AMI data by emailing WaterAMI@cityofloveland.org. When an online portal becomes available for easy viewing, expected in 2027, we will notify all AMI customers.

Project funding

The Water AMI project is a capital improvement included in the water utility’s 10-year plan with implementation scheduled from 2026 through 2030. It is funded through the Utilities Enterprise Fund. Enterprise funds are dedicated funds supported by customer rates, charges and fees and are used for operations, maintenance, administration and long-term capital projects such as this one. The system will modernize water metering by enabling remote real-time readings through radios and fiber, giving customers access to daily use information. The project is estimated at about $12.4 million and is supported by $7 million in water bonds approved in 2025 and a $2.2 million grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board for conservation and land use planning.

For general budget questions, visit the Let's Talk Loveland Budget page.