Key Highlights
- BGJWSC replaced aging drive-by meters with ultrasonic and mechanical meters paired with LoRaWAN endpoints for improved data accuracy and reliability.
- The new AMI system reduced manual meter reading efforts, allowing staff to pursue IT certifications and add value to the utility.
- Real-time usage data helped identify leaks and unusual consumption, supporting conservation and reducing water loss.
When the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission (BGJWSC) was formed in 2008, it brought together the City of Brunswick and Glynn County into a single utility. The consolidation was no small task, but it gave the community a stronger and more unified way to manage its water resources. Today, the Commission manages about 32,000 meters across a 439-square-mile service area on the Georgia coast between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida.
For more than a decade, BGJWSC relied on a drive-by AMR system to collect usage data. It had been dependable in the early years, but as the system aged, performance declined. Meters failed more frequently, reads were missed, and technicians had limited options for troubleshooting. With only a four-person field crew, the utility struggled to keep pace with billing and service demands.
“Worst case scenario, you lift the lid, and you read it off the meter itself,” explained LaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director at BGJWSC. “This particular meter didn’t have even that option. When the meter died, it was a paper weight. At that point, it was of no use to us whatsoever.”
When they were unable to capture a read, customers were billed a flat fee. This arrangement meant lost revenue for the utility and frustration for customers who wanted to be billed for their actual usage. The Commission knew it was time to find a partner who could provide reliable technology and help optimize their capital and operations.
Seeking a new solution
As part of the bid and selection process, BGJWSC outlined its challenges and goals. Neptune proposed a system designed to address each pain point. The solution included a mix of T-10 mechanical meters for residential accounts and MACH 10 ultrasonic meters for commercial and industrial customers. These meters were paired with R900 System endpoints operating on a LoRaWAN network and sending secure data into a comprehensive digital management platform. These components worked together to create a stronger foundation for the utility that would improve accuracy, reduce manual work, and streamline deployment.
Putting the new system to the test
In September 2020, BGJWSC launched a pilot program in neighborhoods where meter failures had been most disruptive. Crews installed 250 new meters with the goal of recovering lost revenue.
The results were clear. The new meters successfully logged water flow and revenue, something the previous meters had failed to do.
The pilot gave Roberts the confidence to move forward with a full installation plan. The rollout included residential meters as well as ultrasonic meters for large commercial customers. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and a new Buc-ee’s were among the accounts equipped with the higher-capacity meters. By addressing both residential and large-scale needs, the Commission ensured consistency and reliability across its entire customer base.
Due to their unique geography, they encountered some signal issues but were able to resolve the issue by installing a higher gain antenna, restoring the connection
Improving efficiency and staff value
Once the new meters and endpoints were installed, the impact was immediate. Roberts noted that in addition to the improved meter accuracy, the R900 AMI System significantly reduced the need for their technicians to do drive-by meter readings.
With more time on their hands, the Commission encouraged its meter technicians to pursue IT certification, which they completed, adding new skills and value to the utility.
Supporting conservation and customer service
Detailed usage data from the new system also helped BGJWSC strengthen its conservation efforts. Staff could quickly identify unusual consumption patterns, alert customers to potential leaks, and reduce the number of leak adjustments. Smaller volumes of water loss and fewer days of continuous consumption meant better stewardship of community resources.
The data insights helped them meet requirements from the State for project funding while also upholding their values of good water stewardship.
At the end of 2024, BGJWSC introduced a customer portal. Residents now have direct access to their own water usage data, empowering them to manage consumption while reducing service calls and customer questions. This platform has created transparency and shared responsibility for water use.
Planning for the future
Encouraged by how successful their transition to AMI has been, BGJWSC is already planning additional applications. The Commission is evaluating district metering areas and water loss audits, considering the use of endpoints to remotely monitor sewer flow meters, and continuing to expand customer engagement through digital tools. They see AMI not as a one-time upgrade but as a platform for long-term innovation.
Roberts emphasized that the system’s success was driven by partnership and support. “Neptune has provided a quality product with dependable functionality that supports BGJWSC in our commitment to our customers and our community. Their team members are knowledgeable and professional, and they understand the needs of a utility.”
About the Author
Layne Morris
Layne Morris is a manager of product management at Neptune Technology Group, responsible for supporting and managing Neptune’s Metering and R900 System portfolio and product management teams. Layne has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has 15 years of experience with utilities and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). She has been with Neptune since February 2021. Layne lives in St. Louis, MO with their husband and two sons and enjoys cooking, running, and traveling with their family.