Advanced Metering Infrastructure

The City of Duvall is modernizing its water metering system by transitioning from a drive-by Automated Meter Reading (AMR) setup to a fully connected Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network. This upgrade will allow near real-time data collection from water meters across the city, improving accuracy, efficiency, and customer service.

Project Purpose

The AMI system will use secure radio communication to transmit water-use data directly from meters to City servers. This will:

• Improve billing accuracy and reduce manual reading time

• Help identify leaks and unusual usage more quickly

• Provide customers with more consistent and reliable service

• Reduce vehicle trips and fuel use associated with traditional meter reading

The system will continue to use the City’s Sensus smart meters and integrate with its existing billing software, OpenGov.

Project Progress

The City began the AMI planning and design process in early 2025. Since then, a consultant has completed a propagation study to evaluate signal strength and confirm coverage for the proposed network of antennas and receivers. The results show strong system coverage across the city, confirming that the planned locations are well-suited for the upgrade.

The City is now working with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to coordinate the use of several utility poles for equipment placement, in addition to one receiver site at a City reservoir. These partnerships will help minimize installation impacts and ensure reliable system connectivity.

Next Steps

The next phase will include finalizing antenna and receiver locations, securing agreements with PSE, and preparing for equipment installation and system integration. Once complete, the AMI network will allow Duvall’s water utility staff to read meters and monitor system performance from a central workstation in real time.