Interference & Privacy

FCC Regulations

The use of radio-read water meters is regulated by agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
In order for the utility to purchase and use such water meters, they must meet all regulations set by the agencies governing such devices. The radio spectrum used by the radio read meters is governed by the FCC, Part 15, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, with which the meters are in full compliance.

This code stipulates that these devices cannot interfere with other licensed transmitters and must accept interference from their devices.

The FCC states that, “At any time of the day, most people are within a few meters of consumer products that use low-power, non-licensed transmitters.” Some of the hundreds of common devices in this category include remote controls, garage door openers, baby monitors, cordless phones, Wi-Fi systems, wireless microphones, home security systems, Internet routers, and cell phones.

Understanding the FCC regulations

Interference

• We tested the radio read transmitters with devices used by the deaf and hard of hearing and found no interference.
• There has never been a documented case of a Neptune Water Meter interfering with a pacemaker.
• The meter itself contains this statement:
  • This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
     (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
     (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 

Privacy Protection

• To protect privacy, no personal data is transmitted.
• The radio-read system transmits the water meter readings and the water meter identification number. If neither can be found, an error code will transmit.
• Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading.
• The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.