Tulsa Standard

Installation of the next generation of Automated Meter Reader technology is now underway with the City of Broken Arrow’s 26 new data collectors that are being placed around the community.  

Twenty new data collectors will be installed on existing siren poles, while six others will be mounted to new poles.  

These data collection devices will collect water usage information from the Automated Meter Readers (AMR) that were installed in three phases and finished last fall.

The AMR system will result in greater accuracy of meter reads, establish efficiency in collecting water use data, and help control staffing and operational costs. With the AMR implementation, City employees can read the water meters by driving by each residence with a laptop computer.  

However, with the new technology that is coming, these same AMRs will send the water usage information directly to the data collection devices and then to the Utilities Billing Department.  

“After the new technology goes online sometime in the summer of 2024, residents will be able to log into their account and see real-time water use graphs,” Utilities Director Charles Vokes said. “The information will isolate problem areas and alert customers when their water use is unusually high.” 

So next time you see one of the new utility poles or a City Utilities employee in your neighborhood, know that we are continuously looking for ways to reduce cost, provide better customer service, and reduce water waste. 

Original source can be found here.