Fort Worth Reduces Field Investigations by 90% with Xylem’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Rhea-AI Summary

Fort Worth Water's implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with Xylem technology has led to significant improvements in operational efficiency and customer service. The utility installed nearly 300,000 residential and commercial meters compatible with Xylem's Sensus FlexNet® communication network, resulting in:

1. A 90% reduction in field investigations
2. Over $1 million in cost savings
3. Near real-time data collection and secure transmission
4. Improved water loss management and categorization
5. Enhanced ability to pinpoint repair needs

The AMI system has been important in managing increased demand as Fort Worth's population approaches 1 million. The transition from manual to remote meter reading has streamlined operations and empowered customers to monitor their water usage. Annual field investigations dropped from over 7,000 in 2019 to less than 700 in 2024.

Positive

• 90% reduction in field investigations, improving operational efficiency
• Over $1 million in cost savings for the utility
• Near real-time data collection and secure transmission capabilities
• Improved water loss management and categorization
• Enhanced ability to pinpoint repair needs
• Streamlined operations and customer empowerment through remote meter reading
• Significant reduction in annual field investigations from over 7,000 to less than 700

Negative

• None.

Insights

Water Infrastructure Specialist

Fort Worth Water's implementation of Xylem's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a significant operational improvement. The 90% reduction in field investigations and $1 million in cost savings demonstrate substantial efficiency gains. Installing 300,000 smart meters with real-time data collection capabilities allows for proactive management of water resources, important for a rapidly growing city. The ability to quickly detect and alert customers about continuous water usage over 72 hours, compared to the previous 2-3 month delay, is a major advancement in customer service and conservation efforts. This technology enables better categorization of water loss and targeted repairs, which is essential for sustainable urban water management in the face of population growth.

Urban Planning Analyst

The adoption of AMI by Fort Worth Water is a strategic response to the city's rapid growth, with over 21,000 new residents in 2023 alone. As the population approaches 1 million, this infrastructure upgrade is important for managing increased water demand efficiently. The transition from manual to remote meter reading not only improves operational efficiency but also empowers customers with usage monitoring capabilities. The creation of district metering areas and the potential for digital twin technology represent forward-thinking urban water management. This data-driven approach positions Fort Worth to better handle its status as the 12th-largest U.S. city, ensuring sustainable water services for a booming population while minimizing waste and optimizing resource allocation.

Utility Drives Operational Efficiency and Improves Customer Experience for Growing Population

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fort Worth Water’s implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) led to a 90% reduction in field investigations and more than $1 million in cost savings with Xylem technology. The utility enabled near real-time data collection and secure transmission by installing nearly 300,000 residential and commercial meters compatible with Xylem’s Sensus FlexNet^® communication network.

Xylem's data-driven approach helps Fort Worth Water properly categorize water loss and pinpoint where repairs are needed. (Photo: Business Wire)

Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation with more than 21,000 new residents in 2023, according to the Fort Worth Report. As the population nears 1 million, Fort Worth Water’s AMI is vital in successfully managing the increased demand.

“This new technology is delivering substantial annual cost savings, improving the customer experience and reducing water loss,” said Marty Barker, AMI administrator at the City of Fort Worth. “We now feel confident we are providing the best service possible to our customers while operating more efficiently.”

Transitioning from manual meter reading to remote management, streamlined operations and empowered customers to monitor their water usage. As a result, annual field investigations of customer inquiries into high water usage and bills dropped dramatically, from more than 7,000 before AMI in 2019 to less than 700 in 2024.

With more accurate reporting, Fort Worth now has a clearer picture of true water loss, leading to better decision-making. The city can pinpoint where repairs are needed and properly categorize areas of loss into apparent and real water losses. This technology has also made it possible to create district metering areas and explore innovations like digital twins, which weren’t possible before.

Fort Worth’s population increased by 200,000 over the past decade, making the Texas boomtown the 12^th-largest U.S. city. The technology upgrades have benefited Fort Worth Water. Upon transitioning to AMI, the utility immediately recognized the increase in data and leveraged this information to track continuous water usage over 72 hours, alerting customers directly. Before implementing this data-driven solution, it would typically take two or three months for customers to become aware of a problem.

To learn more about how Xylem technology has helped Fort Worth Water address their growing population, read the case study.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company that empowers customers and communities to build a more water-secure world. Our 23,000 diverse employees delivered combined pro forma revenue of $8.1 billion in 2023, optimizing water and resource management with innovation and expertise. Join us at xylem.com and Let’s Solve Water.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241015379745/en/

Kim Genardo

+1 (919) 417-2760

kim.genardo@xylem.com

Source: Xylem Inc.

FAQ

How much did Fort Worth Water reduce field investigations with Xylem's AMI technology?

Fort Worth Water reduced field investigations by 90% using Xylem's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology.

What cost savings did Fort Worth Water achieve with Xylem's AMI implementation?

Fort Worth Water achieved over $1 million in cost savings by implementing Xylem's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology.

How many meters did Fort Worth Water install as part of the Xylem AMI project?

Fort Worth Water installed nearly 300,000 residential and commercial meters compatible with Xylem's Sensus FlexNet® communication network.

How has Xylem's AMI technology improved water loss management for Fort Worth Water?

Xylem's AMI technology has enabled Fort Worth Water to better categorize water loss into apparent and real losses, and pinpoint where repairs are needed, leading to improved water loss management.