What is a smart water meter?
A smart water meter automatically records how much water your business uses and sends this information to the wholesaler that provides your water and sewerage services. The water company will then share this data with your retailer.
This means you only pay for the amount of water you use, and you do not need to provide manual meter readings. This can help save you time and money.
Your meter will go through stages before smart reads begin. Two key terms:
| Unactivated smart meter | Meter installed but not yet transmitting data. This is a temporary stage and further steps are needed before smart reads begin. For example, the wholesaler may be waiting for the network to be activated in the area. |
|---|---|
| Activated smart meter | Meter fully active and transmitting regular water usage data to your wholesaler. Once activated, your retailer will be notified, and billing will begin to reflect actual usage. |
What are the benefits?
From day one of your smart meter being activated:
- you will receive bills from your retailer based on actual water usage
- there will be no need to send manual meter readings to your retailer
Over time:
- more detailed view of your water consumption, including daily patterns
- faster identification of potential leaks and unusual usage
- data to support water efficiency goals and reduce operating costs
Note: the availability and timing of these additional features will vary by retailer
What to expect: before, during and after installation
Before installation
- you should be contacted by your retailer and/or wholesaler in advance with details of your installation and what to expect
- please make sure your meter is accessible on the day; this can prevent delays
On the day
- installation is typically straightforward and completed within a short visit
- there will be minimal interruption to your water supply
- if the meter cannot be installed on the day, your wholesaler will discuss next steps with you
- in some cases, your wholesaler may visit your premises without an appointment if they are working in your area. They will always check with you before carrying out any work
After installation
- your water may look slightly cloudy or discoloured. This is normal and will clear quickly
- if this happens, run the cold tap nearest to your internal stop tap until the water runs clear
- your wholesaler will manage the process of activating your smart meter
- your retailer will be notified once your meter is activated and sending data
FAQs
No. They are installed at no cost to you.
If your bills have previously been based on estimates, your first bills after your meter is activated may be different than you are used to. This is because they will reflect your actual usage for the first time; it is simply a more accurate bill.
If you have any concerns about your bills, contact your retailer. They can explain the change and discuss your options.
No. Smart water meters do not come with an in-home display
Yes. Having a smart water meter does not affect your ability to switch retailer.
The timing of your installation will depend on your wholesaler and the area you are in. Your wholesaler is responsible for the smart meter rollout in their area, which is currently scheduled to run until 2035.
You do not need to apply for a smart water meter.
If you want to know when smart meters are due to be installed in your area you can contact your wholesaler.
Yes, Water Industry Legislation gives a wholesaler the right to install meters on non-household water supplies. This covers sites of businesses, charities and public sector organisations.
If a smart water meter is installed, your property will move onto a metered tariff from the installation date, and your retailer will be informed of this.
To understand how this impacts your future billing and payments, speak directly with your retailer.
It’s a good idea to let your landlord know about the work we plan to do at the site/premises where your business operates from.
This is because your wholesaler or retailer don’t always have up to date contact details for landlords.
Your business may have a data logger if you use large amounts of water and require frequent data collection.
Please contact your retailer who will liaise with the relevant wholesaler(s) to agree the next steps.