Smart Meters

On October 16, 2024, WSSC Water Commissioners unanimously voted to rescind the motion passed on November 18, 2020, which indefinitely deferred all activities related to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (Smart Meters).

In rescinding the motion, the Board noted that the November 2020 action adversely affected management’s ability to complete vital research and prepare a detailed plan on how to move forward with improving WSSC Water’s metering infrastructure.  

The Board’s vote was not to implement Smart Meters. Rescinding the motion provides WSSC Water with the ability to chart a path forward, taking into account the importance of preserving existing jobs, moving to monthly billing, maximizing efficiency and bringing WSSC Water up to speed in our use of technology.

On June 18, 2025, WSSC Water Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the Meter Infrastructure Replacement Smart Meter Pilot Program. 

Learn more about WSSC Water’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Smart Meter Pilot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Smart Meters?

AMI Smart Meters use technology that allows water meters to communicate encrypted water usage information to WSSC Water wirelessly using radio or cellular technology. The resulting data is used to optimize operations, administration and infrastructure management.  

Do other utilities in this region use Smart Meters?

Yes. The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved AMI Smart Meter technology for electric utilities BGE, PEPCO, Delmarva Power and Light, SMECO and Choptank Electric Cooperative.  

Baltimore City, DC Water, and Loudoun Water use this technology for their water meter networks.  

The City of Rockville plans to update their drive-by AMR water meter network to AMI Smart Meter technology. Fairfax Water is scheduled to start an AMI Smart Meter pilot this summer. Anne Arundel County is scheduled for a mass deployment of AMI Smart Meter technology for their water meters in early 2027. 

What are the benefits of this technology?

Through a user-friendly portal, customers selected for the pilot will have access to near real-time water usage information at their fingertips and be able to sign up to receive leak/high water-usage alerts, thereby reducing bills and saving money. AMI Smart Meters also enhance meter reading accuracy and allow for monthly billing, which makes bills more manageable for customers. From a utility perspective, this technology creates a safer work environment for employees and creates a greener future by reducing our carbon footprint. 

Is WSSC Water implementing Smart Meters?

Not at this time. The Board’s vote provides WSSC Water the ability to complete vital research and prepare a detailed plan on how to move forward with improving our metering infrastructure. Staff will perform this research over the next several months and present their plan to Commissioners at an upcoming board meeting. 

Is AMI Smart Meter technology harmful?

No. AMI Smart Meters use non-ionizing radio frequencies (RF) to communicate water usage information. According to the National Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society, this type of RF is low frequency and low energy - too low to damage DNA. 

Approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), this type of RF is commonly used in cell phones, TV remotes, Wi-Fi, baby and medical monitors, garage-door openers and Bluetooth devices. RF also exists naturally in our environment due to the sun’s interaction with our atmosphere. Smart Meters give off very low levels of radiofrequency waves - less than cell phones or microwave ovens. The signal can be compared to a cellular text message.

What happens when the pilot is over?

Based on customer feedback during the pilot, WSSC Water will seek approval from the WSSC Water Board of Commissioners in spring/summer 2026 to fully deploy AMI Smart Meters to all customers. If approved, customers in the pilot will continue receiving the benefits of this technology – including monthly billing. If full-deployment approval is not granted, customers in the pilot continue with monthly billing via a different technology – Automated Meter Reading (AMR).