The City of Mountain View is in the planning stages of upgrading to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, a multi-year effort to upgrade existing water meters with smart metering technology. This upgrade will provide hourly usage data, faster leak detection, and better tools for customers to manage their water use.

Happening Now

A meter box and lid survey is currently underway. This survey is an assessment of meter locations to collect data to help plan for the upcoming AMI installation. The survey will be performed by Diameter Services USA Inc. between May 20 and June 6, 2026.

During the meter box and lid survey, the surveyor will:

• Locate and inspect the water meter box and lid at a property.
• Photograph the meter box area (exterior and interior of the box).
• Record observations using a mobile data collection application.

No home access is required. Residents and business owners do not need to be present. The survey is brief and conducted entirely at the meter box, which is typically located near the curb or sidewalk.

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter works just like your current water meter, but instead of meter staff driving or walking by every two months for a read, smart meters send readings automatically. This means expedited billing reads, earlier leak detection, and access to your own daily water use online.

Why is the City upgrading to Smart Meters?

Smart meters give you real-time access to your water usage data, so you can spot trends, catch leaks early, and take control of your bill. Beyond customer benefits, smart meters improve how the City operates by eliminating manual meter reading and providing real-time information about system water use.

Next Steps

 The Smart Meter Program will move through the following phases:

1. Meter Box and Lid Survey - Currently underway, assessing meter locations to prepare for accurate equipment and installation.
2. Procurement and Vendor Selection - The City will evaluate and select a vendor to supply and install the new smart metering system.
3. Installation - Smart meters will be installed citywide. Customers will be notified in advance when installation is scheduled to begin in their area. 

For more information, contact Public Services at 650-903-6329.

This project is made possible through funding provided by Valley Water, one of the City's water suppliers.