Asheville Reporter

City of Asheville Water Resources customers with newly installed AMI water meters may have noticed that the meter lids are now locked. This change, according to city officials, is due to several reasons.

Under North Carolina law, it is a misdemeanor for anyone, including homeowners and tenants, to tamper with or bypass a water meter, which includes turning off the service.

The new lids differ from the old ones in that they are made of a composite material. This material is lighter than the old metal lids and can detach and float away during events such as torrential rain that produce high water volume. This creates a safety hazard for people and animals who could suffer serious injury if they step into an open meter hole.

The City of Asheville is currently replacing its Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system with an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. Replacing the system is more cost-effective than replacing batteries on the existing AMR system, which is reaching the end of its life. The new system will also allow customers to monitor their water consumption through a real-time dashboard. This feature will enable both customers and the Water Department to identify potential leaks or other issues that could result in unexpectedly high bills.

The Water Department, along with a third-party contractor, is working in phases to install meters for over 63,000 residential and business connections in Buncombe and Henderson counties, serving more than 150,000 customers. As of July 2nd, over 18,000 new meters have been installed—representing 29% project completion—with substantial completion scheduled for 2025.

In emergencies such as broken pipes at home requiring temporary water shut-off, Water Resources staff are available around-the-clock by calling 828-251-1122. Customers can also schedule a cut-off if they plan to be away from home for an extended period.

For those seeking another method to temporarily cut off their water supply, there is an option to install a shut-off valve on their side of the meter at their own expense.

Further details about this project can be found on the Water Meter Replacement Project page.

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