About the AMR's

AMR FAQ's

AMR valve

Private Control Valve Installation CREDIT REQUEST

NOTE:

The GWA curb-stop and meters are considered part of a public water system, * Once the new meters are installed, you will not be able to shut off water supply to your home using the GWA curb-stop. Therefore, it is necessary to install a shut-off valve on the customer side of the meter. GWA recommends that a ball-valve be used for this application. A private shut-off valve is required within 18” of the meter this is in accordance with 28 GAR, Section 2105.

GWA makes every effort to maintain a maximum pressure at your service connection that is less than 90 psi. Occasionally, technical difficulties may create short-term pressures exceeding 90 psi. These short-term high pressures should have no impact on well constructed and maintained household plumbing. If you experience short-term pressure spikes and suspect that your household may be in poor condition, then GWA recommends that an individual PRV be installed by the customer. GWA will not accept liability for any damage caused by high water pressure.

Customers are cautioned to pay prompt attention to water leaks as the new meters begin to record water flows four times more sensitively than current meters.

GWA reminds the public that Customer Shut Off Valves which are required for the new Automated Meter Reading (AMR) program cannot be purchased at GWA.

Customers can purchase customer shut off valves at any hardware store. They can also be purchased and installed by any licensed plumber/contractor. See Guam Contractor’s Association for a current list.

*ISLAND-WIDE METER UPGRADE WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER 2005 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2007. *



AMR FAQ's

What does AMR stand for?
AMR is an acronym for Automated Meter Reading and in GWA's case includes the meter box. It does not include the incoming or outgoing lines or valves.

Why is A.M.R. important?
GWA has meters in places that are not readily accessible without advance calling. The water system has gotten to such a state that meter readers are not reading all the meters each reading cycle. GWA does not have a meter replcaement program. Some of the meters have been installed for so long they no longer read accurately.

What villages will be getting Meter change outs?
All meters will be changed out. GWA's contractor will be working from South to North. Malojloj, Inarajan, Merizo and Umatac will be first on this schedule. This will allow the workers to hone installation skills before getting into denser and more congested areas. See our Village Schedule for more info.

How long will the change out take in those villages?
GWA expects to change 75 - 100 meters per day initially and as contractor crews and GWA inspectors get familiar with operating procedures this number may increase. This will continue for about 400 days.

Do I need to be home during the installation?
No. Unless circumstances prohibit the installation, only then will the customer be contacted for assistance.

How much is it going to cost me for the new meters?
There is no additional cost, unless there is no shut-off valve on the customer side. Then the customer can make arrangements with the contractor to install a shut-off valve.

So if it's not going to cost me anything, how is GWA going to pay for them?
These meters will pay for themselves with the accurate reading.

How did GWA choose this contractor?
The contractor most responsive to the bid was during a 6-month trial in 2004.

My meter is currently buried in the ground. What is GWA going to do about it?
Your meter will be brought to the surface with no extra charge to you.

Will my water bill be the same?
The goal is to obtain accurate consumption. Older meters may have not picked up accurate reading. With acccuracy comes probable higher billing.

How do these meters better GWA?
Our unaccounted-for water loss is expected to go down by more than 20% and our meter readers can read more than 3000 meters a day, rather than the 180 per day doing it manually. This allows GWA to focus more on infrastructure upgrade and quicker response time for repairs.

Is there anything else I need to know about my new meter?
YES! Your meter must be accessible. If not, it will be cleared and you will be charged for the clearing of the area.

I still have questions about my meter. Who can I call?
You can call or leave a message at 647-7889 or you may Contact our Customer Service Representative at 647-7800.