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Charlotte approves replacement of 2,200 aging water meters, citing $1 million in added AMI costs
Summary
The City Council authorized replacement of 2,200 of Charlotte’s oldest water meters so the citywide AMI system can function, approving roughly $1 million in added costs and directing contractor use to meet a December 2026 completion target.
The Charlotte City Council on March 9 authorized replacement of about 2,200 of the city’s 4,100 water meters to make the municipal advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system work as intended.
DPW Director Stephanie Whitney told the council the older mechanical meters—installed around 2000—cannot provide the accurate data the AMI system requires. While those meters can accept transmitters, they likely undercount usage and ‘‘cannot provide the accurate data needed for AMI,’’ she said. Whitney reported the project will add roughly $745,000 for replacement meters and about $275,000 for third‑party installation, a package the meeting record described as an approximately $1 million additional cost. Completion is expected by December 2026.
Mayor Fullerton said the need for this scope of replacement had not been clearly communicated when AMI was previously approved and flagged the additional cost. Council members confirmed the primary meter replacements will be city‑funded; homeowners remain responsible for additional meters such as irrigation meters. Whitney said staff completed only 63 replacements in 2.5 months, making a contractor necessary to meet the schedule.
Council Member Chin asked that future sole‑source purchases include the required justification under city policy. A roll‑call vote recorded all members present voting in favor; the motion carried unanimously.
The next steps are procurement of a contractor to perform bulk replacements, homeowner notification and scheduling, and continued staff reporting on cost and timeline to council. DPW staff said existing pit meters will remain in place where applicable rather than being relocated inside homes.
