Smart metering upgrade helps Scottsdale residents save water and money

Scottsdale has advanced its citywide rollout of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and integration with the free WaterSmart Portal, giving customers real-time insight into their water use and supporting the city’s goals of efficiency, transparency and sustainability.

AMI replaces automated meter reading (AMR). While AMR improved on manual meters by using one-way radio signals to transmit readings to passing technicians—eliminating the need for physical inspections—AMI goes further by enabling continuous, two-way communication and near–real-time data access.

AMI stands apart by delivering continuous, near–real-time water use data to both the utility and the customer. Instead of relying on manual or infrequent meter reads, it automatically collects and transmits detailed usage information, enabling ongoing monitoring, faster leak detection, and quicker response to issues. By comparison, traditional and AMR meters provide only periodic snapshots of consumption, often delaying awareness of potential problems.

Progress highlights

• 78% of customers now have access to hourly water-use data through AMI.
• Over 61,000 meters have been upgraded, up from 50,000 in 2023.
• 18,333 customers have registered for the WaterSmart Portal, an increase from 13,700 from 2024.
• In 2025, leak alerts and notifications helped prevent an estimated 35 million gallons of water loss.

Through WaterSmart, customers can view detailed usage data, download reports, and receive alerts for leaks or high bills to detect issues early and conserve water.

Why it matters

AMI replaces manual and remote meter reads with secure, remote data transmission, delivering faster billing, accurate reads and early leak detection. Together with WaterSmart, the system empowers residents to monitor and manage their water use more effectively, supporting Scottsdale’s long-term water sustainability.

Next Steps

• Full AMI rollout is on track for completion by Dec. 31, 2030.
• Targeted outreach aims to increase WaterSmart participation by 40%.
• Upcoming improvements include enhanced alerts for commercial and multifamily accounts and better meter signal performance.

From the City Manager

“Modernizing our metering system and integrating it with WaterSmart is a game-changer,” said Greg Caton, City Manager. “Customers now have the tools to understand and manage their water use, a critical step toward conservation in our desert community.”

Get started

Sign up today through your Online Utility Account by selecting the WaterSmart button. Once registered, you can:

• View your hourly or daily usage data.
• Enable leak and high-use alerts.
• Use hourly data as an informational tool (monthly billing remains the official record).

Learn more at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “water” or call 480-312-5650.