SAWS Installs 300K Diehl Smart Meters in $215M Initiative

Image source: Diehl

Published on October 23, 2024

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is modernizing its water management with the installation of 300,000 Diehl Hydrus ultrasonic static meter as part of its $215 million ConnectH2O initiative. The project, which aims to replace over 610,000 customer meters by the end of 2025, a year ahead of schedule, allows real-time, hourly tracking of water usage. These Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) meters help both customers and the utility monitor consumption more closely and detect leaks faster.

When continuous usage exceeds five gallons per hour for two days, customers receive automated alerts via robocalls, emails, and texts, enabling quicker responses to potential issues. Additionally, SAWS can track compliance with drought restrictions, although the utility focuses on sending “gentle reminders” for improper water usage rather than issuing immediate fines. Citations, which range from $137 to $500, require in-person verification of violations.

The project is part of SAWS’ broader efforts to improve water efficiency and reduce waste, all while ensuring customers do not bear direct costs for the meter upgrades.

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