Meter Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

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Meter Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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How can I shut off my water supply?

It is the customers responsibility to make sure that the water is shutoff when a leak occurs on their property. The Utility Company Rules filed with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission and the Uniform Plumbing Code require that all homes have shutoff valves. Some Homeowners may not know where their shutoff valve is located and some older homes may not have shutoff valves. If you do not know where it is located or do not have a mainline shutoff valve, please contact your plumber to help locate yours or to have one installed for your emergency use.

If you need to turn off your water supply, you can do so by following these steps:

Locate the Mainline Shutoff Valve:

  • Find the mainline shutoff valve on your property. It’s typically situated in the home within the utility room or near the point where the water line enters your home or property. This valve is often recognizable as a wheel-like handle or lever. (This is a secondary valve located outside the Sandia Peak Utility’s meter box within the customer’s property.)

Close the Valve:

  • To shut off the water, simply turn the valve clockwise (to the right) until it is fully closed. This action will stop the flow of water to your property.

Verify Water Flow:

  • After closing the mainline shutoff valve, check your faucets, toilets, and other water fixtures to ensure that water is no longer running. If you still have water flowing, contact a plumber.

It’s important to know the location of your mainline shutoff valve and periodically test it to ensure it functions correctly. Having this knowledge can be crucial in emergencies or when performing plumbing maintenance to prevent water damage and conserve water.

Please note that Sandia Peak Utility does not allow customers to access the water meter can, the mainline shutoff valve on your property is the recommended means of turning off your water when needed. The meter cans will remain locked in order to protect the Utility Company’s meters, communication devices and associated plumbing within the meter cans from unwarranted access.

If you currently do not have a shutoff valve and have an emergency, call Sandia Peak Utility at 505-856-6419 during regular business hours, Monday thru Friday or after hours call 505-888-5336. If the meter is damaged during unauthorized attempted access, there may be a charge incurred for the necessary repairs or replacements of the Utility Company’s equipment.

What are AMI meters and what are their purpose?

AMI meters, also known as smart meters, are advanced devices used to measure and monitor utility consumption. Unlike the current displacement meters, smart meters are equipped with communication technology, allowing them to send and receive data remotely. Here are their main purposes:

  1. Automated Data Collection: Smart meters automatically collect consumption data and send it to utility companies, eliminating the need for manual readings. This streamlines the billing process and ensures accurate readings.
  2. Real-Time Monitoring: Smart meters provide real-time information on water usage to both consumers and utility providers. This helps consumers identify leaks and make informed decisions about their consumption patterns.
  3. Billing Accuracy: By providing accurate, real-time data, smart meters ensure that consumers are billed based on their actual usage, reducing billing disputes and improving overall billing accuracy.
  4. Environmental Impact: By promoting awareness water usage, smart meters encourage conservation, which, in turn, can reduce the overall environmental impact associated with excessive water consumption.

How do the meters communicate with customers and utility?

Smart meters communicate using existing cellular networks. These networks allow meters to send consumption data to utility providers without the need for physical interaction. This infrastructure facilitates real-time data exchange, remote meter reading and enhanced utility management capabilities.