Quick Links
Contact Us
Project overview
Updated: January 18, 2023
The City of Cambridge launched a smart water meter project in 2021 to install or retrofit smart water meters in homes throughout the city in order to improve the efficiency and reliability of the water system.
The new smart water meters use an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system that helps City staff and residents detect possible leaks and avoid unnecessary water costs. The real-time data also helps ensure billing accuracy.
The management of the installation process of the smart water meter project was contracted to KTI Limited. KTI Limited will begin installations in February 2023 and is expected to complete the project in July 2023. Approximately 1,594 residences and businesses still require a new water meter install or retrofit. The City will contact residents and businesses to schedule an appointment to install or retrofit the water meter. We thank you for your patience and understanding and look forward to your cooperation.
Frequently asked questions
| Why smart water meters? |
| New smart meters utilize an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system to provide remote meter reading, data analysis and alerts for possible leaks or flow problems. This real- time data will help ensure bill accuracy, and allows City staff and residents the ability to detect potential issues and avoid unnecessary water costs. |
| How many smart water meters are being installed? How long will my installation take and will there be a disruption in my water service? |
|
The City has replaced 39,146 residential and commercial water meters with new advanced meters and registers that will communicate usage data via wireless technology directly to the City. A balance of 1,594 meters will be installed in 2023. All meters in Cambridge’s utility service area, including domestic water, irrigation and reclaimed water, will be read using the advanced metering system. Installation of a new meter and communication module is expected to take approximately 30-60 minutes, with a short water service interruption for about 15 minutes. The City of Cambridge is committed to as minimal disruption as possible and will work according to reliable, updated schedules to ensure that interruptions in water service are kept to no more than 15 minutes. To ensure that the installation is properly complete, workers will briefly test the new meter. |
| I’ve booked my installation, do I need to do anything to prepare for the installation? |
| To help keep everyone safe, the City asks residents/occupants to put dogs and any other domestic pets in a safe place during installation. |
| How will I be informed when the installation is taking place at my home or business? |
| A letter will be sent to customers/business owners 1-2 weeks prior to installation in your area. The implementation of new smart water meters are being installed in various phases throughout the City. To keep up-to-date on the progress of installations, visit the City’s website at cambridge.ca/smartmeters. |
| How does the smart water meter system work? |
|
The smart water meter system works via wireless signals sent from a small radio unit located outside the house connected to the water meter. The radio unit sends readings to regional collector units that then transmit the meter reading data to receivers at Cambridge City Hall. Regional collectors will be located on existing water tanks, radio and cell phone towers located throughout the city that are currently being used by GrandBridge Energy for utility readings. Each radio unit will send a 111-millisecond usage report from the meter to City Hall four times a day. |
| How does the smart water meter system benefit customers? |
|
The new smart water meter technology and backup system will provide accurate, timely water use data regardless of weather conditions or power outages. Once smart water meter units are installed, a new web-based reporting system will allow customers to track their daily water use and learn about strategies for saving water and reducing their utility bill. This online tool will be activated toward the end of the installation project, and citizens will receive detailed information on how to take advantage of its offerings. At the current time, on a monthly basis, the city manually visits homes to read water meters. The advanced metering system will take vehicles off the road, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint. This real- time data ensures meter reading consistency and water bill accuracy. It will enable City staff to identify potential issues earlier and respond more quickly. |
| What is the cost of implementing a smart water meter reading program? |
| The total cost for the project is $13.4 million, which is being funded through the City of Cambridge. The costs will be paid back during the life span of the new technology through billing process efficiencies and operational efficiencies. |
| Will wireless technology affect my health or privacy? |
No, the new smart water meters will not negatively affect health or privacy. The wireless portions of the system will be operated according to Federal Communications Commission standards, and will not interfere with other radio frequencies in the area. Exposure to radio waves from smart meters is very minimal compared to commonly used smartphones. In addition, the transmission time for each unit totals only about 15 seconds per day.  |
| Where can I get more information? Who can I contact? |
| To learn more about the City’s smart water meter program, you can visit www.cambridge.ca/smartmeter. If you have any questions, please contact Service Cambridge at the City at (519) 623-1340 or servicecambridge@cambridge.ca. |
Documents, reports and updates
City of Cambridge Project Manager
Harpreet Sumra
Supervisor of Metering and Compliance
City of Cambridge
SumraH@cambridge.ca
(519) 621-0743 ext. 4676