Building a Smarter Water Future for the City of Globe
The City of Globe initiated a large-scale modernization of its water infrastructure to improve accuracy, reduce non-revenue water loss, and meet regulatory compliance under Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) mandates. In partnership with Phoenix Water Solutions (PWS), the City set out to replace approximately 3,500 water meters across residential and commercial properties, while conducting concurrent service line material inspections.
The project leverages advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and supports long-term sustainability, data visibility, and operational efficiency.
The Challenge
Prior to project initiation, the City faced several infrastructure and process challenges:
- Outdated mechanical meters contributing to billing inaccuracies.
- Inconsistent field documentation of service line materials.
- No centralized system for meter read uploads or GIS tagging.
- Lack of integration between field operations and the City’s Caselle billing software.
- Unclear permitting processes across city and county jurisdictions.
- Coordination needs around customer notifications, emergency response, and pitbox replacements.
The Solution
Phoenix Water Solutions implemented a comprehensive, phased strategy to meet the City’s infrastructure and compliance goals.
1. Project Mobilization
- Finalized all contracts, bonds, and insurance within 10 days of Notice to Proceed.
- Coordinated with City leadership (Public Works, Finance, Engineering) for project alignment.
- Established daily meter pick-up operations from Globe’s City Yard and secured on-site staging areas.
2. Meter Replacement + Service Line Identification
- Installed AMI-compatible meters ranging from ¾” to 6” with GPS-tagged location data.
- Captured before/after photos, serial numbers, and meter reads for every site.
- Inspected 18 inches of service line on both customer and utility sides for ADEQ documentation.
- Restored work areas to original or improved condition.
3. Data Management + Software Integration
- Integrated installation and service line inspection data with Caselle Utility Management software.
- Maintained real-time field uploads via GPS-enabled mobile tools.
- Aligned inspection records with ADEQ reporting templates to streamline compliance.
4. Resident Coordination + Customer Service
- Developed a proactive communication protocol with City staff for resident notification.
- Provided weekly installation route schedules for City distribution.
- Maintained a customer support line for resident inquiries and escalations.
5. Compliance and Quality Assurance
- All installations followed ADEQ lead service line identification protocols.
- Staff equipped with proper PPE, trench safety, and confined space training.
- Implemented daily field reviews and weekly check-ins with City officials.
- Documented curb stops, valve issues, and pitbox failures, coordinating replacement with the City.
The Results
Phoenix Water Solutions implemented a comprehensive, phased strategy to meet the City’s infrastructure and compliance goals.
Improved Internal Coordination
Between city departments and field teams.
Real-Time Visibility
Into installation progress and water system status.
Established a Replicable Process
For future meter installations or inspections
Key Metric
Outcome
Meter Accuracy
Increased to 98%+ through new AMI meters
Monthly Installation Rate
250–300 meters/month on schedule
GIS Accuracy
GPS mapping conducted for all installed meters
Regulatory Compliance
ADEQ documentation submitted monthly
Resident Disruptions
Minimal, with advanced notice and on-site restoration
Data Transfer
Integrated successfully with Caselle Utility Management
The Conclusion
The City of Globe’s collaboration with Phoenix Water Solutions represents a model approach to utility modernization. Through efficient project management, advanced metering technology, and regulatory compliance support, PWS has enabled the City to improve water accountability, meet state requirements, and prepare for a sustainable future.
For full-service AMI meter replacement, regulatory service line inspection, and GIS-integrated water system upgrades:
EXPERT IMPLEMENTATION. TRANSPARENT DATA. RELIABLE PARTNERSHIPS.
