Smart water meters automatically record how much water you use and send readings to your water company.
Water companies are gradually installing smart water meters. In some homes, they are replacing older water meters. In other homes, a water meter is being installed for the first time.
Smart water meters can help reduce water waste, identify leaks more quickly and manage water supplies for the future.
What benefits can smart water meters provide?
Smart water meters can:
- provide more accurate bills based on actual meter readings
- help identify leaks quickly, reducing water waste and the risk of higher bills
- give you a more detailed and timely view of your water use and costs
- help you save water and money. If you use less hot water, you could also reduce your energy bill
What happens when a smart water meter is installed?
Before installation
Your water company should:
- contact you with details of the installation and what to expect
- tell you whether your smart meter will start sending readings straight away or at a later date
- explain how you can view your water use once the smart meter is installed. This may be through a website or mobile app
On the day
You can expect:
- installation to be quick and straightforward
- minimal interruption to your water supply
- the engineer to explain what happens next if the meter cannot be installed
FAQs
No. They are installed at no cost to you.
Smart meters are powered by long life batteries (10+ years) so they don’t consume electricity from the property.
No, you cannot request or refuse a smart water meter.
Smart meters will replace existing meters over time as part of your water company’s installation programme.
If you don’t currently have a meter, you can ask your water company to fit one free of charge, but this might not be a smart meter.
Your water company can decide what type of water meter is installed.
Use our water meter calculator to check whether you could save money by having a water meter.
Smart meters only record how much water you use and when you use it. They do not record the appliances or activities that are using water.
Water companies follow strict privacy rules to keep data secure.
Smart meters use very low frequency radio signals, much weaker than those from mobile phones, to transfer encrypted information across secure wireless networks.
Yes. In addition to viewing your water use through a website or mobile app, smart meters usually have a small display that allows you to view readings directly from the meter.
If you need help reading your meter, your water company may be able to provide extra support through its Priority Services Register.
If your smart meter is fully activated and sending readings to your water company, it should let you know if it detects constant water use, which could indicate a leak.
This will allow you to repair any leak on your pipework more quickly before it can cause damage or waste large amounts of water.
Some water companies offer help to customers dealing with leaks on their pipework.
You might also have insurance for pipework repairs under your home insurance or a separate insurance policy.
Once the leak is repaired, your water company may be able to adjust your bill for water lost through the leak. This depends on if:
- this is your first claim
- the leak was underground
- you acted quickly to repair the leak
Your water company owns the meter and is responsible for maintaining it.
If you think the meter is damaged, not working correctly or showing incorrect readings, contact your water company.
If they don’t resolve the issue, you can follow its complaints process. If you are still unhappy, CCW may be able to help.