The city of Durango is installing about 6,700 radio transmitters that relay water usage from individual homes, thereby eliminating the need for city workers to drive neighborhoods to collect the data.
The transmitters – part of an “advanced metering infrastructure” – look like gray plastic discs affixed to metal lids on top of “meter pits,” which are typically found in yards, said Levi Lloyd, director of city operations.
The city began installing the transmitters in late fall and has installed about 1,000 as of Wednesday, Lloyd said. Another 5,700 are expected to be installed by midsummer, he said. The city will then install the radios at businesses.
“We could see anywhere from 250 to 400 meter change-outs per day, so it could go relatively quickly,” Lloyd said.
The transmitters relay water usage information every hour to a remote location. They are capable of transmitting up to 5 miles, depending on topography. The radios also can communicate through a “mesh network” to transmit data out of canyons.
The system can alert the city if there is a leak in the system or if water is constantly running inside a house, perhaps from a leaking toilet, Lloyd said.
“It’s amazing how much water just a leaking toilet will use, and we can see that data as well,” he said.
Some residents may receive letters about the new transmitters, especially if they have a water pit that is not accessible from the front yard. In some cases, the meter is in a crawl space, and the city needs permission to access those locations.
“If it’s in your basement, crawl space, attic, we do need permission,” Lloyd said.
The transmitters use a battery with a guaranteed lifespan of 10 years but are expected to last up to 20 years.
shane@durangoherald.com
