Water Meter Data Collection Stations

The City of Mercer Island is investing in new tools to better serve water customers. In 2024, the City replaced the majority of residential and commercial water meters, and is working to implement an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system and an online portal where customers can track water use, leak alerts, and other notifications.

In order to collect the meter readings, the City must install data collection equipment at six key locations across Mercer Island. This equipment communicates with the AMI system and the new meters to transmit water usage data to the City.

In addition to improving utility operations, Mercer Island customers will see additional benefits including monitoring tools for managing water use through a new online customer portal. The customer portal is expected to go live in fall 2024.

Please note that due to a delay in the deployment of data collection stations, the customer portal will only be available for a portion of meters on Mercer Island. Once all data collector stations are installed and activated, this online portal will be available for all water customers.

Proposed Data Collection Station Locations

A total of six data collection equipment stations will be installed at various locations across the city. These proposed locations were identified based on their ability to effectively communicate with water meters across Mercer Island.

1. Island Crest Park - permit approved, base station activated
2. Water Reservoir - permit approved, base station activated
3. Roanoke Park - permit currently under review
4. Crestwood area, near SE 43rd St and 94th Ave SE - public outreach underway
5. West Mercer Way and SE 32nd St. - public outreach underway
6. West Mercer Way and East Mercer Way (south end) - public outreach underway

Each data collection station includes a 22” by 22” by 10.5” aluminum box base station and a communication antenna that ranges from 7’ to 9’ in height, depending on the specific location. Some stations are located on existing utility poles and infrastructure, but some will be mounted on new 55' tall utility poles.

Continue reading for site specific location and other details or click on a location (above) to jump directly to that specific site.

Conditional Use Permit Process

Before applying for permits for the three remaining base station locations, the City will conduct early outreach to properties within 300 feet of the proposed sites to inform them about the installations and upcoming permitting process.

Each installation requires the approval of a Conditional Use Permit, which will authorize the use of this equipment as an essential public facility. Once the permitting process is underway, the City sends a Notice of Application to residents within 300 feet of each data collection site. The notification details the proposed permit application and opportunities for public comment. Ultimately, a Hearing Examiner decides on the issuance of each Conditional Use Permit, and a Notice of Decision will be published.

Have questions? Check out our frequently asked questions or ask your own here.