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Automated Meater Reading Project - FAQs

What is AMR?

Automated Water Meter Reading (AMR) is the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from devices with the ability to store and transfer data to a central database for billing purposes.

Why is the District implementing an AMR Project?

The implementation of AMR is a result of many factors as detailed below:

  1. The existing mechanical water meters have far exceeded their service life with an average age of more than 33 years, resulting in an approximate 25 percent recording inaccuracy;
  2. Current meter reading techniques require significant staff resources from field to office staff; and
  3. Water regulations require the District to accurately track water use and water loss.

What is backflow?

The reverse flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distribution pipes of the potable water supply system from any source or sources other than its intended source.

How does a backflow occur?

Backflow into the public water distribution system can occur when the water pressure in the consumer’s premises is higher than the pressure in the water distribution system.  This condition can be caused by a drop-in water pressure in the distribution system (e.g. firefighting operations or break in water main).

What properties are required to have a backflow prevention assembly?

Properties identified to have any water supply on or available to the premises other than the District’s approved public potable water supply.  Auxiliary water supply may include water from another purveyor’s public potable water supply or any natural source(s) such as a well, spring, river, stream, irrigation canals or systems, etc., or “used waters” or “industrial fluids.”

What is a backflow prevention assembly?

A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device that prevents water from flowing backwards.  Backflow prevention assemblies include; reduced pressure principle (RP), double-check valve (DC), double-check detector (DCDA), reduced pressure principle detector (RPDA) and pressure vacuum breaker.  Non-testable devices that prevent backflow include; air gaps and atmosphere vacuum breaks.  A list of reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies that have been approved by the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research a division of the USC can be found at https://fccchr.usc.edu/_downloads/List/list.pdf.

How often must a backflow prevention assembly be tested?

Backflow prevention assembly are required to be tested annually by a certified backflow specialist.  A contractors list is provided on the District’s website at the link below.

Who is responsible for test of backflow prevention assembly?

It is the responsibility of the customer to have the backflow prevention assembly certified and notify the District.  The District will send notification letters at the time of annual certification.

What if my drinking water source is not being used as a water supply (e.g. domestic well)?

The District can conduct a survey of your property to verify.  The customer will be required to sign a release verifing no such cross-connection exist; however, if in the future a connection is made, District notification and installation of a backflow prevention assembly is required.

Resources

District Ordinance 91-5 –

Ordinance%2091-05%20Cross%20Connection%20Control%20Program.pdf

Contractors list –

Backflow Contractors.pdf

Approved backflow prevention assemblies –

https://fccchr.usc.edu/_downloads/List/list.pdf.

Common approved backflow devices - 

Manufacturer     Model                         Size
Wilkins                 975XL2                      3/4"
Watts                    LF009M3PCQT       3/4"
Apollo                   RPLF4A                    3/4"
 

If you have any questions, please contact the District’s Water Resources Manager, Adam Brown at (530) 333-4356 ext. 110.