NYC Department of Environmental Protection Launches Program to Upgrade Automatic Water Meter Reading Devices Citywide

December 2, 2024

Upgrades, Beginning in Greenpoint Neighborhood, Will Ensure That Property Owners Receive Real Time Information About Their Water Use to Help Conserve Water; Project Will Also Ensure Reliable, Accurate Water Bills

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the start of a program to upgrade more than 600,000 Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) devices across the city over the next three years. The AMR device is the small gray box attached to the exterior of a property that wirelessly transmits water consumption readings from the water meter to DEP. This work will begin in the Greenpoint neighborhood and the upgrades to the existing AMR devices will provide a number of key benefits including:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Customers can access detailed consumption data online to understand their water use.
• Improved Leak Detection: Faster identification and response to leaks, reducing water loss.
• Enhanced Customer Service:  Consistent water use readings translate to better overall service quality.

The upgrade program is mandatory for all property owners and DEP will perform the work at no charge. Most AMR devices are located on the exterior of the property so no appointments will be necessary to complete the upgrade. Residents may see DEP technicians and/or contractors approach their property and walk the perimeter of the building to identify the location of the AMR device. The DEP technicians or contractors will be clearly identified with DEP logos on their uniforms and will produce proper identification, including a DEP ID card, upon request. They will travel in vehicles with DEP markings and will never ask for payment.

Property owners are asked to:

• Ensure the area around the AMR device is clear and accessible and trim back bushes so technicians can easily access the AMR device.
• Bring any pets inside while technicians are working at the property.
• Look out for notifications regarding installation timelines.

Technicians may move garbage cans or open unlocked gates to access the AMR device if needed. Property owners must allow DEP staff or contractors access to the AMR device; failure to provide access may result in a fee. Once the AMR device is found, the technician will remove the old unit, install a new unit in the same location, and test the unit to ensure it is working. Upgrades take 15-30 minutes per property.

Technicians will clean up and take any/all debris with them. If the technician cannot access an AMR device, they may return during an evening or weekend. In some cases, property owners may receive a letter from DEP requesting an appointment to replace the AMR device because DEP must access the interior of the property to complete the upgrade.

DEP manages New York City's water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City and 1 million more in counties north of the City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the City, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.