Digital Meter Upgrade
Project ID
01601A and 03769A
Project Location
Unincorporated Pinellas County
Project Status
Construction: Completed
Pinellas County Utilities (PCU) is committed to providing quality service to our customers and making improvements to aging infrastructure to better serve you.
We’ve installed digital meters, known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure, across our service area to provide for more precise and up-to-date water readings, which will give every customer the tools they need to save money and water by controlling their water usage and identifying leaks earlier.
Utilities Customer Portal
Along with this upgrade, we launched a customer portal where you can get insights into your water usage, set up leak alerts and more. If you’re not already signed up, visit myaccount.pinellas.gov to create your account and monitor your potable and reclaimed water use anywhere, anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AMI technology work?
With this digital meter technology, every customer meter within Pinellas County will be able to reliably measure the use of water in your home or business and automatically send a brief, private, digital message to data collection tower using a cellular signal – much like a cell phone does. The cell tower then transmits all meter reads to Pinellas County, where the information is processed within our billing system.
Why were the meters upgraded?
Water meters are replaced about every 15 years to maintain accuracy. AMI, or digital meter technology, represents the latest improvement in the industry. Installing automated meters enhances our customer service by minimizing the potential for missed or inaccurate reads and enables us to provide faster service, better information and reliable bills for all our customers.
What is different about digital meters?
Digital meters allow real-time readings that provide a precise and timely record of your usage several times daily rather than a snapshot reading once every two months.
Is my account information secure?
Yes. Data transmitted through the system is protected.
How will digital meter technology benefit me?
This technology provides customers with greater control to understand and adjust water usage, thereby saving money through their efforts. It can quickly detect any irregularity in water usage, such as leaks and alert customer portal users to abrupt or abnormal changes in water usage much earlier than previously possible.
Is this technology safe?
Yes. The products that make up the Advanced Metering Infrastructure system are stringently evaluated for safety and meet all standards established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Why does Pinellas County Utilities need to conserve reclaimed water?
Reclaimed water is a limited resource, the product of our refined wastewater processing and rainfall. Reclaimed water is the optimal resource for irrigating landscaping and lawns. The use of reclaimed water in this capacity preserves our potable water, a more expensive resource best suited for human consumption and household use.
When Pinellas County Utilities first made reclaimed water available, it was stated that reclaimed water would always be available in unlimited supply. What has changed?
In the past 20 years, the demand for reclaimed water has increased substantially while the volume of water entering the reclaimed water system has decreased because of higher-efficiency toilets and showers. We want to ensure this resource remains available to all customers, which is why we are installing digital meters and encourage smart
watering practices.
For additional information, call (727) 464-4000 or use our online contact form.