NewsDrop-Jan-Feb-2026

EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

By: Larry Jackson Executive Director of External and Regulatory Affairs

MAKING METER READING EASY FOR PERMIT HOLDERS

One major advancement is the deployment of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology, which streamlines the entire meter reading process. Traditionally, permit holders submit their meter readings to the EAA once a year—and during Critical Periods, most permit holders are required to report monthly. These reports are essential to effective aquifer management and monitoring. With AMR, manual readings are a thing of the past. The equipment reduces the need for multiple monthly visits by the user but also provides near real-time usage reports, empowering permit holders to better manage water consumption and conservation. Additionally, the data supports our science teams in modeling and managing the Edwards Aquifer more efficiently. AS PART OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY’S NEXT GENERATION INITIATIVE, WE CONTINUE TO EXPLORE & PROMOTE INNOVATIVE TOOLS DESIGNED TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR OUR PERMIT HOLDERS.

The AMR station is a self-contained unit featuring a transceiver (i.e. both a transmitter and receiver), batteries, and a solar panel, all housed in a secure cabinet mounted on a pole next to the meter. Installation and maintenance of the AMR equipment come at no cost to permit holders. Because readings are fully automated, accuracy is guaranteed. Our team only performs occasional inspections to ensure everything operates as expected. Meter reading data is transmitted through the EAA’s private cellular network via LTE Modems installed within the unit, where the data is securely stored in our database servers. Each station typically collects and transmits data every six hours, totaling four times per day. Ultimately, our permit holders can access their meter readings and usage information through the EAA Meter Matters app on their smart phone.

Because our municipal and industrial permit holders use many different meters, the EAA will conduct a site survey to determine if the current meter is compatible with our AMR technology. If it is not, the EAA will install a compatible meter at no cost to the permit holder. However, as with our current policy, subsequent replacement meters in the future may be at the permit holder’s expense. Contact us to find out more about taking advantage of this improved meter reading technology. To learn more about taking advantage of this improved meter reading technology, please contact our Meter Team at fieldtechs@edwardsaquifer.org .

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