Home
A A A

How Our Smart Meters Work

We use industry-leading Neptune water meters to ensure every drop of water is measured accurately.  Whether you have a traditional mechanical meter or a new ultrasonic model, you meter is designed to be precise, reliable, and "smart."

Our Two Types of Meters

Depending on when your home was built or last serviced, you likely have one of these two models:

The Neptune T-10 (Mechanical)

  • The "Wobble" Technology: Inside this meter is a flat disc.  As water flows through, it causes the disc to "nutate" (wobble).  Each wobble represent a specific amount of water.
  • Magnetically Driven: A magnet on the disc communicates with the register on top, turning the dials just like an odometer in a car.
  • Reliability: This design has been the gold standard for over 100 years because it is simple and incredibly durable.

The Neptune MACH 10 (Ultrasonic)

  • No Moving Parts: This is a "solid-state" meter.  It doesn't use a disc or gears.
  • Sound Wave Precision: It sends ultrasonic sound waves through the water stream.  By measuring how fast those sound waves travel, the meter calculates your water usage with extreme precision--even catching tiny drips that mechanical meters might miss.
  • Digital Display: This model features an LCD screen that provides high-resolution data at a glance.

What Make Them "Smart"? (R900 System)

Both meters are equipped with a Neptune R900 wireless transmitter.  This is what makes your meter "Smart":

  • Automatic Readings: You no longer need a meter reader to enter your yard.  The R900 securely transmits your usage data via radio frequency to our technicians  as they drive by or through a fixed network.
  • 15-Minute Data: The system tracks usage in 15-minute intervals.  This helps us and the Town see exactly when water is being used.
  • Data Accuracy: Because the reading is digital, there is no "human error" in transcribing numbers from a dial.

How To Check for Leaks

Your smart meter is your best tool for finding hidden leaks before they become expensive bills.

  • For T-10 (Analog): Look for the tiny red or blue triangle on the face.  If that triangle is moving even a tiny bit while all water in your house is off, you have a leak.
  • For MACH 10 (Digital): Look for a faucet icon on the LCD screen.
    • Flashing Faucet: You have an intermittent leak (like a toilet that runs occasionally).
    • Solid Faucet: You have a continuous leak (water has been running non-stop for 24 hours).