The City's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project has now reached 85% completion, with approximately 9,800 of the 11,500 aging water meters replaced by new Neptune MACH 10 ultrasonic smart meters. 

In addition to improving billing accuracy and system reliability, the new AMI system gives customers access to an online portal where they can monitor water usage by the hour or month, receive leak and high-usage alerts, and quickly identify irrigation or plumbing issues before they become costly.

Several customers have already detected leaks using the portal, helping reduce water waste and avoid higher utility bills. If you have questions about the portal or how to access it, please contact our Customer Service team at (239) 389-5000. 

We've also received several questions about the expected life of the new residential water meters. 

The Neptune MACH 10 is designed with a 20-year battery life, and the battery is permanently sealed inside the meter to protect it from moisture and the environment. Because the battery is not replaceable, the meter is typically replaced at the end of its service life. 

Neptune also provides one of the strongest warranties in the industry: 

• 20-year warranty on the bronze meter body  

• 20-year warranty on the electronics, including the battery (prorated after the first 10 years)  

For qualifying failures: 

• Years 1–10: 100% replacement coverage.  

• Years 11–20: Prorated coverage, with replacement discounts that gradually decrease over time.  

Marco Island's climate is also ideal for meter longevity. Without freeze/thaw cycles that can damage meters in colder climates, residents can expect these meters to provide accurate, reliable service for approximately 20 years under normal operating conditions. 

If you haven't already, we encourage you to register for the City's AMI Customer Portal to take full advantage of these new features and better manage your water use.