​Advanced Metering Infrastructure Technology

AMI Technology Saves Water

Thornton is upgrading 25,000 residential water meters over the next two years to be compatible with new water-smart, water-saving technology. Water meters measure all water used at home—indoors and outdoors. Thornton Water currently uses an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) drive-by system to collect monthly water usage data. The new meters will be compatible with new meter reading technology, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), to track water usage data hourly instead of monthly. Other Advance Metering Infrastructure will be installed over the next few years. This means the city—and water customers—will be able to detect water leaks and other high-water issues much sooner than in the past, potentially mitigating severe damage. The quicker the city and customers are alerted to leaks or other high-water problems, the faster we can address them and prevent water from being wasted. Thornton is working hard to secure our water future, and AMI-compatible meters are part of this effort. 

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Water Meter Upgrades

Typically, the city replaces meters regularly as they age. A residential water meter lasts, on average, about 17 years. If a residential meter is due for an upgrade, city staff will install the new meter and hang a door hanger at the home to let the customer know the meter was replaced. If you don’t receive a door hanger, don’t worry; your meter is already compatible with newer technology.

  • Water rates will not increase due to meter upgrades. Thornton obtained a $1.5 million grant from the US Bureau of Reclamation to fund the purchase and installation of the meters.
  • There is no charge for the meter replacement.
  • There is no need to schedule an appointment.
  • Residents do not need to be home for the replacement.
  • Trained technicians will come out and access the underground water meter via the meter pit that is already there. (It’s usually in the front yard near the sidewalk. No digging is required.)
  • During the replacement, water service will only be disrupted for a short time (less than an hour).
  • You may experience air in the water lines following a meter replacement. If you do, run the water from various faucets to allow the air to escape.

Tracking Water Usage

To track your monthly household usage now, sign up for the WaterSmart customer portal at thornton.watersmart.com/index.php/welcome. 

For questions about the meter replacement program, call 720-977-6300 or 720-977-6500.