If you’re a landlord or property manager, saving money on utility bills should always be a priority. One way to do that—though many overlook it—is by keeping track of water use in apartments.
A lot of property managers don’t think much about water consumption, but high water use can cause big problems.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to monitor water usage in apartments and why it’s so important.
The Importance of Monitoring Water Usage in Apartments
Think about a leaky faucet that drips once every second. That might not seem like much, but over a year, it can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water—enough for over 180 showers. Now, imagine that happening in multiple units in your apartment complex. The total water waste adds up fast.
A common issue is a toilet where the chain gets stuck, or the flapper doesn’t close properly. When that happens, the toilet keeps running, wasting more than 200 gallons a day or more.
If no one fixes it quickly, your water bill can go through the roof. At typical water and sewer rates, just one running toilet could add at least $2,000 or more to your monthly bill.
Here are the key reasons why tracking water use in apartments is so important:
Cost-Effective
Tracking water waste can lead to big savings. By catching leaks and reducing excess use, you can lower water bills and keep utility costs under control.
Sustainability
Monitoring water use isn’t just about finding leaks—it also helps protect the environment. With freshwater supplies shrinking, every drop saved makes a difference.
Tenant Satisfaction
When tenants see management taking steps to save water and cut costs, they feel like part of a community that cares. It’s a win for both sustainability and affordability.
Traditional Methods of Water Monitoring
In the past, people mainly used manual meter readings. But this often caused errors or delays, making billing a hassle. Even worse, these methods didn’t catch water waste right away. By the time someone noticed, months of extra water use had already driven up costs.
Landlords and property managers used to track water usage the old-fashioned way. They had to walk around, check each meter, write down the numbers, and do it all over again every month. It was time-consuming and easy to mess up.
Downsides of the Traditional Methods
Traditional methods have allowed property owners and landlords to handle their tenants' utility bills for a while. While it did the job, it isn't perfect.
The problems with old methods have led many to look for smarter solutions—ones that are more accurate and much easier to use. Such problems include:
Human error – Reading water meters manually often leads to mistakes. It’s no surprise since these meters are usually hidden in basements or tucked away in closets where it’s hard to see.
No real-time tracking – Manual readings don’t catch problems as they happen. If there’s a leak or a sudden spike in water use, you won’t know until you get a high bill. By then, it’s too late. Figuring out the cause—whether it’s a hidden leak, a running toilet, or tenants taking marathon showers—can be frustrating and expensive. Hiring a plumber to track it down isn’t cheap.
No way to track individual usage – In multi-family buildings without submeters, water costs are often split equally. That means a tenant who barely uses water might end up paying the same as one who takes long showers every day. It’s not fair, and it encourages waste.
Technological Advancements in Water Monitoring
Thankfully, landlords and property managers no longer have to rely on guesswork, tenant complaints, or costly plumbers to track water use. New technology makes it easy to monitor water consumption with real-time data, helping catch problems before they get out of hand.
We're talking about systems that don't just track how much water flows through pipes but also provide insights into when and where it's used.
Let’s peek at some game-changing innovations.
Smart Meters
Smart water meters track water use with sensors and send data in real time. They help users and water providers see how much water is used and spot leaks quickly.
Leak Detection
Leaks can be sneaky, especially the ones you can’t see or hear, such as a slow leak inside a toilet tank. If no one catches it, water keeps running, and the bill keeps climbing. If a tenant isn’t home, the problem gets worse.
Over time, hidden leaks waste water, increase costs, and can even cause damage. Real-time leak detection helps catch these issues early, saving money and preventing bigger repairs. It’s a simple way to avoid a costly surprise.
Smart Infrastructure
Automated systems like smart pipes and valves control water flow based on demand. They can adjust water distribution remotely, making the system more efficient.
Internet of Things (IoT) Technology
IoT devices monitor water flow and detect problems in plumbing systems. They connect to a central system using Wi-Fi or other networks, making it easier to track water usage
How DrizzleX Helps You Monitor Water Usage in Your Apartment Complex
DrizzleX helps you find hidden leaks, like running toilets and dripping faucets, so you can stop wasting water. It also alerts you when tenants use too much. Most buildings that install DrizzleX cut their water bills by 25-45% or more.
And the savings add up fast. On average, buildings save enough on water to pay for DrizzleX within about nine months.
Take control of your water usage with DrizzleX. Get a free quote and start saving today!
Usage Alerts
DrizzleX sends alerts when tenants use too much water. Many people don’t realize how much they waste, so these alerts help them make better choices. You can also use this data to talk to tenants about their water habits and encourage them to conserve water.
Leak Detection
Some leaks are easy to spot during inspections, but silent leaks only show up on your water bill. DrizzleX tracks water flow, so you know exactly where water is being lost.
Instant Email Notifications
When DrizzleX finds a leak, it sends you an email with all the details, including:
The exact apartment and fixture causing the issue
How many gallons have been wasted
The cost if it’s not fixed
Possible causes and solutions
Fair Tenant Billing
DrizzleX makes it easy to bill tenants based on their actual water use. When people pay for their own water, they tend to use less. You can generate accurate bills and charge tenants fairly.
What DrizzleX Offers Landlords and Property Managers Like You
Talking about saving water in apartments can get confusing with all the numbers and stats. But with DrizzleX, every drop becomes data, making it as easy to track water use as checking your email.
Easing Financial Pressures
DrizzleX helps property owners save money by cutting water costs. It shows exactly where tenants can reduce waste and spot hidden leaks before they drive up bills.
Tenants benefit, too. They get clear reports on their water use, so they’re not caught off guard by high bills.
Catching Leaks Early
Leaks aren’t always easy to spot but can cause serious damage if left unchecked. DrizzleX tracks water flow, detects hidden leaks, and helps prevent costly repairs. Instead of dealing with water damage later, you can stop problems before they start.
FAQs About Monitoring Water Usage in Apartment Complexes
How to monitor water usage in an apartment?
The best way to monitor water usage in an apartment is by checking the water meter regularly. Some apartments have a main water meter for the entire building, while others use a water sub-meter for each unit.
If your apartment has an individual meter, you can easily track water usage by reading it yourself or using an app if your building provides digital tracking.
Paying attention to your water bills can also help. A sudden increase might mean higher usage or a possible water leak.
Is there a way to track your water usage?
Yes, you can track water usage in different ways. If your apartment has a water sub-meter, you can check your daily or monthly readings to understand how much water you use.
Some apartments provide online access to water data, making it easier to see trends. If you don’t have direct access to a meter, your water bills can give you an idea of your consumption.
Smart water monitoring devices are also an option. They connect to your plumbing and provide real-time data to help with water management.
How can you monitor your water usage?
You can monitor water consumption by reading your water meter regularly or using a smart monitoring system.
Many apartments now use apartment water billing systems that break down usage per unit so you can see exactly how much water you're using. Watching your water bills for unusual changes can help, too.
If you notice a spike, check for water leaks in your faucets, toilets, or pipes. If you have an irrigation system, make sure it's not running more than necessary, as that can increase your water supply costs.
Where is the water meter located in an apartment?
The water meter in an apartment is usually located in a utility closet, basement, or near the main water supply line.
If your apartment has a water sub-meter, it might be inside your unit, near the kitchen or bathroom.
In some cases, meters are outside the building, and only the property manager has access. If you're unsure where yours is, check with your landlord or building management.
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