Birmingham Water Works To Advance Automated Meter System Implementation

The Birmingham Water Works (BWW) is progressing with its transition to an automated meter-reading system, with the first phase nearing completion and the second phase expected to begin by year-end. The project, guided by consulting firm E Source under a $7.96 million agreement, aims to fully deploy the system by 2028.

The initial phase involved selecting vendors for smart meters and system components, while the next stage will focus on implementation planning. Automated meters will transmit water usage data wirelessly, reducing manual readings and addressing long-standing customer concerns about billing inaccuracies.

BWW has allocated $10 million in its 2025 budget for purchasing meters. The utility is currently evaluating different smart meter options. Additionally, upgrades to BWW’s existing SAP CIS software are required to ensure compatibility with the new system.

Vendor bids for system components, installation, and data management software will open next week, with contracts expected to be finalized in late 2025. The new system is anticipated to improve efficiency, provide real-time usage monitoring, and help detect leaks early.