What are smart water meters and how do they work?

Categories: Metering

Smart water meters are devices that automatically track your water use and can send water usage data to your water company. There are two types: 

  • AMR (Automated Meter Reading) meters – these are read by sending information to a special device when a company representative walks or drives past. 
  • AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meters – send automatic readings directly to the water company throughout the day using a secure connection. With AMI meters, customers can check their water use through an app or online on the water company’s website, helping to spot leaks and manage usage better. 

Going forward, the expectation is that water companies will install AMI meters, which are widely known as ‘smart meters’.

Benefits and how they affect your bill

  • More accurate bills based on actual water use. 
  • Your water company will alert you to leaks to prevent water waste and high bills. 
  • Better for the environment by helping you to understand and reduce water use and spot leaks. Not requiring an engineer to read them reduces the number of vans on the road. All these things help to reduce carbon emissions.
  • No manual meter readings. 
  • Easily track water usage via your water company’s app or web portal.  
  • If you already have a meter, your bill will only change if usage is different. If it’s your first meter, fewer people than bedrooms may save money. Use our water meter calculator to estimate your bill. 

If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, help is available. See our help with bills page. 

Installation and water usage data

A water company worker installs the meter for free, usually outside at a stop tap or inside if needed. Contact your water company  to find out more about their plans to install smart meters. If your water company is rolling out smart meters, you can’t opt for a different type.   

If the water company can’t fit a meter in your property, they may offer an assessed charge based on your property and household size. 

Water usage can be checked through an app or website. Unlike energy meters, water companies don’t provide in-home display devices. 

Safety, privacy, and data collection

Smart meters use very low frequency radio signals, much weaker than mobile phones or microwaves, with no known health risks. Some of the information they collect includes: 

  • Meter type, ID, and location
  • Water usage data, such as how much water is being used and at what time of the day

Smart meters only record total water use and when water is used, not specific appliances or activities. Water companies follow strict privacy rules to keep data secure. 

What to do if you have a problem

If you have any faults or suspect a leak, contact your water company. If a plumber is needed, use WaterSafe to find an approved professional. 

It’s also a good idea to check your water usage regularly through the app or website to catch any leaks early and manage your water use.

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