Smart Meter Replacement Program
About the Project
In Spring 2022, TCPUD began implementation of the Smart Meter Replacement Program Project. This three-phase Project upgraded approximately 3,500 water meters with “smart” meters in TCPUD’s service area by 2024. Smart meter replacement is necessary because the existing water meters installed from 2007 to 2009 were nearing the end of their useful life and lack new and innovative technology.
Phase 1 was completed in 2022 and included the replacement of nearly 1,000 water meter transmitters in the Dollar Point and Upper and Lower Highlands neighborhoods and on Meadow Brook Drive and Panorama Drive.
Phase 2 was completed by TCPUD contractor Twin Timbers Construction by November 2023 and included the replacement of nearly 1,200 water meter transmitters in Tahoe City, Comstock Acres, Cathedral Heights, Tahoe Tavern Heights, Alpine Peaks, Tahoma Meadows, and previously metered sites in Madden Creek and Tahoe Cedars.
Phase 3 was completed in summer of 2024 by District staff.
The total investment for this three-year Capital Infrastructure Project was $1.6 million.
The Benefits of Smart Meters
Replacing the existing water meter infrastructure with smart meter technology benefits the customer, the environment, and TCPUD. The need for vehicular travel to read water meters is eliminated, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, by reducing staff time on meter readings, TCPUD can work proactively to maintain its water systems and continue to focus on its mission of providing safe and reliable water to its customers.
The new smart meters use the Beacon Cellular Smart Meter technology to transmit data via cellular four times per day to a cloud-based server, increasing response time to residential leaks. TCPUD will be alerted of potential leaks.
Customers can also receive an alert by email or text within 24 hours of a potential leak using Leak Alert Notifications. This technology also provides access to the EyeOnWater app, a tool customers can use to track their water usage, identify a leak, and be empowered to “keep an eye on” and maximize water use efficiency.
Visit the Cellular Water Meters Page for more information on Smart Meters, Leak Alert Notifications, and EyeOnWater.
For more information, please contact:
Wendy Murphy
Administrative Technician - Utilities Department
530-580-6278