City of Globe, Arizona – Concrete Meter Replacement with Smart AMI
Scope: Full metering infrastructure upgrade.
Challenges: Meters set in concrete required extensive demo and restoration.
Solutions: Metron cellular AMI system deployed—ideal for rural locations with no fixed network required. All concrete was removed and re-poured to maintain site aesthetics.
Outcome: Cost-effective modernization without additional network infrastructure.
Project Overview
The City of Globe, Arizona is a historic mining town nestled in the mountains of Gila Country. It has long managed infrastructure through traditional manual-read meters and legacy systems. As water conservation becomes increasingly urgent across Arizona, and utility budgets continue to face mounting pressure. The city recognized an opportunity: transform its water metering system into a smarter and more resilient infrastructure.
Rather than simply replacing meters, the Globe’s leadership envisioned a broader transformation that one would leverage modern technology while minimizing disruption and long-term operational costs. In partnership with Phoenix Water Solutions (PWS) and Metron-Farnier, Globe launched a full scale transition to a cellular Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system.
This project is not just a technological upgrade, but it’s a long-term investment in operational efficiency, data transparency, and customer service.
Legacy Systems in a Rural Setting
Like many rural municipalities, Globe faced several infrastructure– related challenges:
Aging Equipment – Globe’s existing water meters were outdated and prone to inaccuracy which contribute to inconsistent billing and lack of usage transparency.
Enhanced Installations – Many of the city’s meters were set in concrete enclosures, which made access for replacements both time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Limited Communication Infrastructure – Fixed-network AMI systems which is common in larger cities. Installing and maintaining such infrastructure in Globe’s terrain would have been cost-prohibitive.
Resource Constraints – With a lean public works team, Globe needed a system that minimized maintenance and supported remote data access without constant manual oversight.
- Develop a compliance-ready water conservation plan
- Implement submetering strategies for high-use facilities
- Introduce staff training workshops on data collection and leak response
- Secure $175,000 in WIFA grant funding to support metering upgrades
The solution: Cellular AMI & Strategic Execution
Phoenix Water Solutions recommended and implemented the Metron Cellular AMI system, a forward-thinking choice that aligns perfectly with Globe’s operational and environmental context.
Cellular AMI Deployment
Metron’s solution eliminated the need for costly radio infrastructure. Each meter communicates directly via the cellular network, providing real-time data to utility managers without the burden of installing fixed collectors.
Precision Meter Replacement
Replacing over 3000 meters required careful planning. PWS crews performed selective concrete cutting and patch-back restoration, ensuring installations were completed cleanly and without property damaged. All meters, ranging from ¾” residential to 6” commercial, were upgraded with leak detection and hourly reporting capabilities.
Streamlined Project Execution
From meter checkouts to data uploads, PWS coordinated closely with city teams for daily updates, minimal service interruptions, and resident communication. By working collaboratively, the project moved forward efficiently without overburdening Globe’s internal staff.
Efficiency, Visibility, and Cost Savings
While the project is still in progress, the transformation is already measurable:
Key Metric | Before AMI | With Metron AMI |
Meter Reading | Manual, labor-intensive | Automated, hourly via cellular |
Data Access | Delayed, monthly | Real-time cloud-based insights |
Leak Detection | Reactive, based on complaints | Proactive, real-time alerts |
Operational Flexibility | Limited by staff availability | Increased efficiency with fewer resources |
Capital Investment | High for fixed-network AMI | Low via existing cellular infrastructure |
Customer Transparency | Limited | Full visibility with usage history |
Improved Billing Accuracy: Real-time consumption data allows for more accurate, dispute-free billing.
Water Loss Prevention: Leaks are now identified early, significantly reducing non-revenue water.
No Network Maintenance: With no tower or relays, the system operates independently of local infrastructure.
Customer Satisfaction: Fewer service disruptions and better communication have led to improved public trust.
What Makes This Project Stand Out
Key services include:
This isn’t just a story about technology, it’s about strategic partnership and tailored implementation. By understanding Globe’s constraints and aspirations, Phoenix Water Solutions was able to deliver a solution that worked with the city.
Rural-Ready Solution:
Metron’s cellular platform enabled the city to skip the infrastructure hurdles of traditional AMI systems.
Respect for Resources:
PWS maximized the city’s budget by reducing capital expenditure on network hardware.
Transparency and Collaboration:
Weekly check-ins, daily reports, and open communication channels ensured city staff stayed involved, informed and in control.
Conclusion
The City of Globe’s smart metering conversion exemplifies how collaboration, technology, and strategic planning can drive measurable improvements in small-town water management. This project is not about correcting past shortcomings, but unlocking long-term sustainability, cost savings, and community trust through innovation.
Globe’s journey is a blueprint for other rural cities seeking smart water solutions without big-city budgets. As the project moves towards full completion by mid-2026, it stands a shining example of what’s possible when local government and industry work together toward shared goals.
Let’s Build the Future Together
Are you a utility or municipality ready to modernize your water systems?
Let’s talk about scalable, efficient, and grant-eligible water infrastructure.
Smart Water Starts Here.
References
- Metron-Farnier. (2024). Cellular AMI Water Metering. Retrieved from www.metronfarnier.com
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Water Loss Control Manual. [www.epa.gov]
