FAQs

The seven data collection stations will be installed at various locations across the city:

Installation Locations

To determine where the City should place the data collection equipment,  Ferguson Enterprises conducted a propagation study of Mercer Island. A propagation study is a computer-generated analysis of the coverage of signals emanating from an antenna as a prediction of the scope of an area. On Mercer Island, significant topography, including steep ravines and slopes, can make signal coverage much more difficult. As a result of the study performed on Mercer Island, Ferguson determined that by placing seven antennas on sufficiently tall structures in the areas noted, the City could collect water data from all 7,900 water meters on the island. The City worked with Ferguson to find existing poles that could be used for these installations and, in some cases, determine where new poles would need to be placed.

The equipment includes a 22" x 22" x 10.5" aluminum box, known as a base station, and a narrow antenna, which range from 7 to 9 feet tall. The antenna will be mounted on the tops of 80-100' tall utility poles and towers, and the base stations will be located approximately 15' above the ground. Most installations are located on existing utility poles and infrastructure, but the City will replace some locations with taller poles to ensure that metering data can be collected effectively.

New, taller utility poles are required in several locations to allow antennas to be placed higher - this allows the antennas to collect data from as many meters as possible. In addition, taller poles can accommodate new infrastructure without interfering with existing power lines and equipment, which is required for safety clearances.

Shorter poles are generally not used for these types of antennae because external structures, like buildings, trees, and other infrastructure, can block data collection signals. Using smaller poles would also require the installation of many more poles, antennas and base stations to ensure adequate data collection coverage, increasing the physical footprint of the project and increasing the total project cost.   

The City is conducting early outreach to properties within 300 feet of the proposed sites to inform them about the installations and upcoming permitting process.

Each installation will require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit, which will authorize the use of this equipment as an essential public facility. Once the permit applications have been submitted, the City's Community Planning and Development department will send a Notice of Application to residents within 300 feet of each data collection site. The notification will provides additional details about the proposed projects and opportunities for public comment. Ultimately, a Hearing Examiner will decide on the issuance of each Conditional Use Permit, and a Notice of Decision will be published.

The City has created a Proposed Data Collection Site Map where the public can comment on a specific site. Visit the map here. The City has sent notification to residents within 300 feet of each data collection site with information about the proposed data collection stations and the upcoming permit applications. Anyone may comment on the applications, receive notices, and request copies of the decisions once made.

The new data collection equipment will connect with the AMI system to securely communicate water usage data to the City on an hourly basis. Customers will also be able to manage their water use in real-time through the new online customer portal, which will also include leak alerts and other notifications. 

By providing its water customers with detailed information about water usage, and improving leak detection and leak notification processes, the new AMI system provides the community and City with new tools for improving water conservation efforts.

Yes, the data collection technology complies with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards and guidelines for environmental exposure to radio frequency (RF), which have been in place since 1985. RF energy produced by smart meter technology is not harmful and is comparable to cellular phone devices, wireless baby monitors, television broadcasts, garage door openers, microwave ovens, cordless home phones, and Wi-Fi networks.

The new metering system will transmit the water readings and other metering information to the data collection stations and the City. The data transmitted is encrypted and sent to the data collectors and the City through a secure, private RF channel. This technology does not share personal customer account information. 

For questions, please contact the City’s Customer Service Team at (206) 275-7600 or customerservice@mercerisland.gov.