Skip to main content

Clear Reads is Cleveland Water’s project to install automated meter reading (AMR) technology across our service area. The project will replace or modify water meters with state-of-the-art equipment that will allow wireless, hourly meter reading at your home or business.

The majority of our customers have already had their meters upgraded. We are currently upgrading meters for customers in Westlake. 

The benefits of Clear Reads include:

  • Reduced estimated reads
  • Increased accuracy of your water bill
  • Early leak detection
  • Better, more timely water use monitoring  through our online web portal
  • Enhanced customer service and improved efficiency

Westlake Customers

We are currently installing Clear Reads in Westlake. If you received an appointment letter, you can schedule your installation by contacting Cleveland Water at  216-664-3130 or websiteinquiries@clevelandwater.com.

 

General Questions

Clear Reads is Cleveland Water’s project to install automated meter reading (AMR) technology in homes and businesses across our service area. The project replaces or modifies water meters with state-of-the-art equipment that allows wireless, hourly meter reading at your home or business. The Clear Reads project delivers better customer service by providing accurate bills based on actual consumption, early leak detection, and overall improved efficiency.

Every upgraded water meter is connected to a small battery-powered device, called an endpoint, that is installed on the exterior of your home or business. The endpoint will read the meter every hour and send a brief, low-powered radio signal to a nearby collector. Collectors then transmit meter reads to Cleveland Water, eliminating the need for manual meter readings.

By ensuring that your bill is based on actual usage, AMR technology minimizes billing based on estimated reads.  In addition, AMR improves accuracy, eliminating the potential for human error in manual meter reading and can help to identify any irregularities in water usage such as leaks.

Automated meter reading (AMR) systems rely on both tried-and-true industry best practices and state-of-the-art technology. The reading at the meter is converted into a digital format using technology that has proven to be highly reliable and accurate. The reading is then transmitted using robust security features. Similar systems are in use in major cities including Dallas, Detroit, New York, and Washington, DC.

 

Yes. If you received a letter notifying you to schedule an appointment please do so. You will still need to have your external transmitter upgraded even though you have a new meter inside your home.

Yes, your account information is secure. Data transmitted through the system is protected with robust security features that meet or exceed current requirements.

AMR endpoints broadcast meter reads using proprietary communication protocols over a secure network to our internal database of meter readings. Each broadcast is extremely short in duration, lasting approximately 13 milliseconds, for a total of 15 seconds per day. The endpoint manufacturer uses frequency-hopping - the broadcast constantly and randomly “hops” from one frequency to another - making it extremely difficult for someone to know which frequency to access or follow. The broadcast read is identified only by an anonymous endpoint ID number. There is nothing in the transmission that identifies a name, address, account number, or any other customer information. Once received behind our firewall, only designated employees have access to customer information. 

The endpoint that sends your meter reading has a unique identifier that is transmitted along with the read data. This identifier is electronically compared to your account record to ensure that the meter reading matches the meter assigned to your account.

Yes, participation in the Clear Reads project is mandatory. It is authorized by the laws of the State of Ohio and the City of Cleveland, as well as under the terms of the Water Service Agreement between Cleveland Water and the municipalities we provide water service to. Meters for all customers, residential and business, will either be replaced or modified. 

No, you will continue to enjoy the same high-quality water you have come to expect from Cleveland Water.

No, the technology operates as a very low-powered signal that is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against interference. It is unlikely that it will interfere with the operation of other electronic devices.

No, for most residential customers, water meters are located indoors (typically in the basement) to prevent freezing. Most homes have an outdoor remote display that is connected to the meter. This is how meter readers can read the meter without coming into your home. For AMR, the installer will upgrade the meter inside your home and install an endpoint (radio transmission device) on the exterior. If your water meter has recently been replaced, you will not need a new meter. This meter will be modified and an endpoint will be installed.

No. According to the FCC, FDA, World Health Organization (WHO), and other reputable organizations, there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a causal link between low levels of radio frequency exposure and adverse human health effects. The Itron meter endpoint operates at frequencies from 902 megahertz (MHz) to 928 MHz. Cell phones, televisions, car radios, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi also utilize radio frequency around this range. Even so, the endpoint is installed outside the home and the power (1 watt) and duration (less than 15 seconds a day) of the radio signal it emits is too low to pose a health risk.

The products that make up the Clear Reads system are stringently evaluated for safety and meet all standards established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada (IC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 

Billing Questions

As water meters age, they run slower and under-register water usage. AMR technology ensures that customers pay only for the water they use – no more and no less. Some customers may see an increase in their water bill. This is because the new meter is measuring water usage accurately.

Clear Reads minimizes billing based on estimated reads and ensures that your bill is based on actual usage. In addition, AMR technology improves accuracy, eliminating the potential for human error in manual meter reading, and can help to identify any irregularities in water usage, such as leaks, before the problem shows up on your bill.

There is NO COST to customers for the Clear Reads meter upgrade.

The installer will take photos of the last reading on the old register in case any questions arise. These photos will be given to Cleveland Water customer service representatives to note on your account and answer any questions.

Installation Questions

The Clear Reads installer will replace or modify your interior water meter and exterior register during your appointment. Replacing the meter, usually located in your basement, will require installers to turn off the water for approximately 15-20 minutes. This allows installers to remove the old meter and install a new one. Once the new meter is installed, the installer will test the meter to ensure that it’s operating correctly. The installer will also install the endpoint on the exterior of your home.

The endpoint will be wired to the inside water meter. The installer will then program the endpoint using a handheld computer to allow communication between the endpoint and your water meter. Before leaving, the installer will remove any equipment and clean up any debris.

You can make an appointment by contacting Cleveland Water at 216-664-3130 or websiteinquiries@clevelandwater.com.  Appointments are available Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointment times are 2-hour windows. The installer will arrive at some point within this window. Weekend appointments fill up quickly, so schedule as soon as possible to be sure you get your preferred date and time. 

Replacing the meter will require installers to turn off the water for approximately 15-20 minutes. This allows installers to remove the old meter and install a new one. The installer will make certain that service is restored before leaving your home. For commercial properties, water service will not be interrupted if there is a functioning bypass.

Someone 18 years or older must be present at the property during the appointment in order to give the Clear Reads installer access inside your home. To make sure the installation goes as smoothly as possible, know where your water meter is located in advance of your appointment. Ensure at least 3 feet of open space around it and the exterior register and that the surrounding area is in a safe and sanitary condition. Please secure any pets as well.

If you own a rental property, please notify your tenants of your Clear Reads appointment date and time and that a brief interruption of service may occur.

Customers should ask for identification before allowing anyone to enter your home. Clear Reads installers wear blue uniforms and carry two forms of identification: a Clear Reads badge and a badge from our contractor company. Clear Reads vehicles and identification badges display the Clear Reads and Cleveland Water logos.

In most cases, installation should take less than an hour. Some installations may take longer.

If you need to reschedule your appointment for any reason, simply call the Cleveland Water customer service at at 216-664-3130, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to do so. You can also email us at websiteinquiries@clevelandwater.com