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Automated Meters have come to Columbia!

Columbia Water has actively responded to our customers’ demand for more accurate bills. We provided the most reliable possible measurement of our customers’ water use by installing advanced metering technology. With this Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), our customers’ water consumption will be transmitted remotely, securely, and directly to Columbia Water on a daily basis.

Visit our customer website portal, Eye On Water at  columbiascwater.eyeonwater.com/signin to log in to your account to access up-to-the-minute information about your usage and set leak notifications. You can also download the app to your smart phone. Click here for simple instructions on setting up your account.

AMI gives more assurance and empowerment to our customers
  • Fewer estimated bills due to more accurate meter readings
  • Real-time alerts about possible leaks at your home/business
  • The ability to better manage your water use—with online and smart phone visibility
  • The project has been phased in over three and a half years to more than 150,000 customers
AMI FAQs

What is AMI?

AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure, called AMI for short. With AMI, every customer meter within Columbia will be able to reliably measure the use of water in your home or business and automatically send a brief, private, digital message to a data collection tower using a cellular signal—much like a cell phone does now.  The Cell Tower then transmits all meter reads to the City of Columbia, where the information is processed within its billing system.

Why has the City adopted AMI?

Installing automated meters has enhanced our customer service by minimizing the potential for missed or inaccurate reads, allowing our customers to once again have absolute trust in the bills they receive. We are excited to take on AMI because it will enable us to provide faster service, better information, and reliable bills for all our customers.  It will even eliminate the need for someone to come onto your property for manual meter readings, increasing the privacy of your home.

How does AMI affect me?

AMI technology ensures that customers pay only for the water they use – no more and no less.  It is important to understand that as some water meters age, they can run slower and under-register water use.

How much will this upgrade cost me?

There is no cost to customers for the AMI upgrade.

How does AMI benefit me?

By ensuring that your bill is based on actual usage, AMI technology eliminates billing based on estimated reads. In addition, AMI improves accuracy, eliminating the potential for human error in manual meter reading and can help to identify any irregularities in water usage such as leaks.

Customers will have access to the AMI web portal which allows easy access to information about your water consumption, compare current usage to previous periods, and set email and text alerts to achieve conservation goals.

How do you know that the meter reading is accurate?

Water utilities all over the world are adopting AMI technology, first and foremost because it provides accurate information.  The reading at the meter is regularly converted into a digital format using technology that has proven to be highly reliable and secure. It improves accuracy mostly because it eliminates the potential for human error in manual meter reading. Similar systems are already in use in nearby communities including Mount Pleasant (SC), Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (SC) and many others.

How will I know that you have my meter reading and not someone else’s?

The endpoint that sends your meter reading has a unique identifier that is transmitted along with the read data. This identifier is compared electronically to your account record to ensure that the meter reading matches the meter assigned to your account.

Is my account information secure?

Your account information is secure. Data transmitted through the system is protected and proprietary communication protocols are used.

Are there any potential health concerns with radio frequency signal?

No. The power of the radio frequency signal used is too low to pose a health risk. The products that make up the AMI system are stringently evaluated for safety and meet all standards established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Institute of Electrical (IEEE) and Electronics Engineers. The technology selected by the City of Columbia sends a signal that can be compared to a cellular text message.

Will the radiofrequency signal interfere with my television, computer, cordless phone, garage door, pacemaker or other electronic devices?

No. The technology operates as a very low-powered signal that is regulated by the (FCC) against interference. It is unlikely that it will interfere with the operation of other electronic devices.

Will there be any difference in the delivery or quality of water after my meter upgrade?

No. You will continue to enjoy the same high-quality water you have come to expect from the City of Columbia.