AWWA JAW48105

In 1991, the American Water System began an investigation to determine the cost-effectiveness of automatic meter reading (AMR) systems. This led to a trial of hand-held radio-frequency (RF) communication-based systems from three manufacturers. The overall objective of the trial was to demonstrate and compare the technical and economic feasibility of the RF systems. The specific objectives of the trial were to: select and install 98 units from three suppliers of hand-held RF meter-reading systems and determine implementation procedures and costs for each system; collect weekly readings from the meters to determine the reading success rates and the reduction in time it takes to complete the meter-reading routes and to estimate the maintenance cost for each system; manually read the meters and compare the readings with those taken using the RF hand-held systems to demonstrate each system's accuracy; demonstrate the integrity of each system by obtaining meter readings in all weather conditions; and, determine whether the AMR systems are economically justified. The methods and results of the trial are discussed. Includes 3 references, tables.