When aging infrastructure and manual processes began chipping away at revenue, Eastside Utility District (EUD) knew it was time for a change. Serving more than 24,000 customers across two Tennessee counties, the utility set out to transform its water operations, starting with a full-scale overhaul of its metering system. 

That transformation sparked a strategic shift to a fully cellular advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network model designed to improve efficiency, accuracy and customer service. By combining Itron’s AMI solution with Verizon’s IoT connectivity, EUD’s mobile network is already delivering measurable results and long-term impact for water service in Tennessee.  

Modern Infrastructure, Measurable Results 

In just 24 months, EUD replaced 25,000 mechanical meters with advanced ultrasonic smart water meters connected to Verizon’s network. The changeout has already achieved remarkable results: a 98.5% meter read rate, more accurate leak detection and a seven to 10% increase in EUD’s revenue, which is expected to cover the cost of the changeout within the next five years. By integrating Itron’s AMI solution with Verizon’s IoT connectivity, EUD completed the project ahead of schedule and unlocked the full value of Itron’s cellular smart water network model, realizing benefits that span far beyond meter reading. 

Faster Time to Market 

The mobile deployment model reduces barriers for utilities adopting IoT networks, enabling a cost-effective, scalable approach to smart metering. Supporting low-power, long-lasting connectivity, the model simplifies deployment and integrates with existing metering infrastructure, leading to quicker implementation schedules and resource savings. 

Lower Cost of Ownership 

Implementing Itron’s mobile smart water solution, which leverages Verizon’s LTE Cat M1 network, provides a cost-effective alternative to higher-bandwidth models while delivering reliable narrowband connectivity that meets utility data transmission needs. Designed specifically for stationary IoT deployments, the network supports applications that require minimal data transmission, reducing the number of connections over time. Additionally, transitioning to the mobile AMI model lowers the utility’s initial capital investment, making it a more efficient and sustainable solution for long-term scalability. 

Enhanced Battery Longevity 

Through optimized power consumption, LTE Cat-M1 devices communicate less frequently, preserving battery life and enabling operation for up to 20 years. This benefits utilities with reduced maintenance and service costs attributed to battery and device replacements. 

Security and Reliability  

In addition to enhanced nationwide coverage, Verizon’s IoT network provides greater locational reach, ensuring more connectivity even in remote environments. Secure data transmission, authentication, credentialing and encryption tools can help prevent unauthorized access to the network. These security capabilities enhance tamper detection, outage identification and real-time monitoring, helping utilities better protect their infrastructure assets. 

“By upgrading to Itron’s solution, we reduce truck rolls by eliminating the need to collect meter readings from each endpoint, and we are able to allocate our field workers’ time more efficiently to address more pressing issues, such as identifying leaks in our water network,” said Jay Mullin, General Manager at Eastside Utility District.  

Adopting Itron’s cellular smart water network model has enabled EUD to modernize its metering infrastructure in collaboration with Verizon, leveraging Itron’s advanced IoT solutions to ensure more secure, efficient connectivity. This transformation helps improves day-to-day operations while positioning the utility for long-term scalability, reliability and continued innovation.   

Connecting Every Drop 

EUD’s success demonstrates the real-world benefits of smarter water management. Through advanced technology and collaboration, Itron and our technology partners are helping water utilities across the globe make every drop count.