Tamarac approves citywide smart‑meter program to detect leaks, automate billing

The Tamarac City Commission voted 5–0 on Jan. 22 to approve a contract for a citywide advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) program from Fortiline Waterworks and Camstrup meters, a project staff said will replace about 21,000 mechanical water meters, add automated reads and leak detection, and provide a customer portal for real‑time usage data.

City staff said the agreement will modernize the utility system and help the city find and stop water losses the city currently estimates at 9–10% of distributed water. "We're estimating about 9 to 10% loss of water, on average per month. That's equates to 200,000,000 gallons per year," Public Services Director Mustafa Alpilsam said during the presentation. He also gave an overall project timeline of about 774 calendar days.

Why it matters: Staff told the commission the meters will provide more accurate billing, faster identification of household and distribution leaks, and a web/smartphone portal for customers. The city manager said the project could also free or repurpose staff who now read meters manually. The city is in a region regulated by the South Florida Management District; staff told commissioners that…