What Are the Benefits of Submetering Water Usage?
- DrizzleX
- Jul 21
- 9 min read
If you own a multi-family property, you know how expensive water consumption can be. And like many landlords, you're probably looking for a way to lessen utility usage and lower water costs.
Water submetering systems are valuable devices to identify how much water tenants consume. They help monitor water usage in apartment complexes, condominium communities, and other multifamily properties.
These provide several benefits to landlords and property managers, such as accurate billing and reduced utility costs.
In this article, we will explore what water submetering is, its various types, and the advantages it offers to a multifamily community.
What Is Water Submetering?
Water submetering refers to secondary meters installed after the main water meter. These individual meters measure the actual water usage of each tenant in multifamily communities or commercial properties.
With a water submetering system, property owners can accurately bill residents based on their actual water consumption. This technology for property management promotes fairness and accountability among tenants.
It also helps property managers understand where water is being used across different residential and commercial units.
By tracking water use more closely, property owners can find new ways to save water and cut costs. This kind of smart tracking makes it easier to manage water use across the whole property.
What Are the Different Types of Water Submetering Systems?
Water submetering systems come in different types to cater to a property's unique needs. Understanding these options can help property landlords and managers make informed decisions about which system best fits their requirements.
Mechanical Water Submeters
Mechanical water submeters are the most traditional type of utility submetering. They monitor water flow using an impeller that spins every time the water passes through the meter.
This flow rate is directly proportional to the blade's rotational speed. That means the higher the water use, the faster the rotation is.
Mechanical water meters are popular for their simplicity, durability, and cost-efficiency. However, they lack detailed data reports and remote reading capabilities. They also tend to clog up when the water is dirty or contains large particles.
Smart Water Submeters
Smart water submeters feature wireless sensors, digital displays, and connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The adaptation of Internet of Things, or IoT solutions, allows real-time data tracking and remote monitoring.
Smart meters can also send alerts for potential leaks, such as drippy faucets or running toilets. These devices can also track abnormal usage patterns in a multifamily community.
They are ideal for landlords looking to optimize water usage and reduce costs through advanced technology.
The major downside of smart water submetering systems is their steep upfront price. However, most property owners achieve ROI and increased cost savings within a few months.
Ultrasonic Water Submeters
Ultrasonic water submeters use sound waves to measure water flow. They send ultrasonic signals across the pipe and measure the time it takes for the sound waves to travel back. These make them highly accurate and effective in managing water flow in complex plumbing systems.
Additionally, this type of water utility submetering lacks moving parts, which minimizes wear and tear and reduces maintenance needs.
But similar to smart water submetering, ultrasonic systems can be very expensive, especially for landlords of small or average-sized multifamily communities.
Differential Pressure Water Submeters
As their name suggests, these water submetering solutions measure the pressure difference across a constriction in the pipe, such as an orifice plate.
This pressure drop is directly related to the water flow, which enables the meters to accurately track water consumption.
Differential pressure water metering is ideally suited to industrial applications where high-pressure water systems are common. It is less effective in a residential or commercial property.
Additionally, it is sensitive to installation. The length of the meter run and the transmitter location can greatly impact its accuracy.
Electromagnetic Water Submeters
This water utility submetering type uses a magnetic field and the principle of electromagnetic induction to measure water usage. The faster the water flows, the greater the voltage generated.
Electromagnetic water meters are highly accurate in applications where water contains a significant amount of particulates.
They do not cause blockage, unlike other types of water meters. However, they are unable to measure pure water due to the lack of ions.
What Are the Benefits of Smart Water Submetering?
Curious to learn more about smart water submetering solutions? Below are the benefits of these systems:
Accurate Tracking of Water Consumption and Tenant Billing
Smart water submeters provide accurate water measurements of individual units within a multifamily property. They enable property owners and managers to charge tenants based on their actual usage.
For example, tenants who leave the tap running or shower frequently receive higher water bills. But as soon as their water consumption drops, they can expect lower water utility costs.
Precise data from smart water submeters promotes a fair utility billing environment. It ultimately builds trust between landlords and tenants.
Enhanced Water Usage Data and Analytics
Submetering water using smart water-saving devices helps property owners gain access to real-time water consumption data. This information is invaluable for identifying usage patterns and managing water resources effectively.
Landlords and property managers can also use water data to get a better idea of how much water people might use in the future. This makes it easier to plan budgets and decide how to manage resources.
Early Leak Detection and Preventive Maintenance
One of the best features of smart water submeters is their ability to identify leaks and other irregularities in water flow. Early detection allows for immediate action, preventing costly repairs of plumbing systems.
Smart systems have a proactive approach to maintenance. This not only saves water but also reduces potential building damage from unchecked showers, drippy faucets, and toilet leaks.
Increased Cost Savings and ROI
If you own a property, you probably know how high the water bill can get each month. That’s where submetering comes in. It helps people use less water and waste less too. In the end, it means lower bills and a quicker way for you to get your investment back.
Support Water Conservation and Sustainability
Implementing smart water submetering solutions supports sustainable property management and contributes positively to environmental conservation efforts.
These systems make it easier for people to use water wisely and cut down on waste. That means less impact on the environment, which is great for landlords and property managers.
Plus, it makes the property more attractive to renters who care about living in a greener, more eco-friendly place.
How to Install A Smart Water Submetering System?
After learning the benefits of smart water submeters, you probably want one installed on your property. Here's how property owners can approach the installation process:
1. Assess Your Property’s Needs
Begin by evaluating your property’s specific needs. Consider the number of units, existing water infrastructure, and the main objectives you aim to achieve with water submetering. These may include cost reduction, faucet and toilet leak detection, or tenant billing.
Understanding these factors will guide your decisions throughout the installation process.
2. Research Smart Water Submetering Providers
Once you've defined your requirements, research various providers of smart water submetering systems.
Make sure to select a qualified company with a proven track record since you're dealing with the specialized nature of water submetering. Check their credentials, customer reviews, and the quality of customer support.
Additionally, consider the installation costs and features, such as connectivity options and data management capabilities.
3. Plan the Water Submeter Installation
After selecting the ideal water submeter provider, you can plan for the actual installation.
First, decide on the placement of submeters. Make sure you can easily access them for maintenance and monitoring.
Next, schedule the installation in a way that minimizes disruption to tenants in your townhouse or apartment complex.
Then, educate tenants about the process and benefits of the new submetering system to ensure their support.
4. Decide Between Professional Installation and DIY
Consider whether to hire professional technicians or undertake the installation yourself. Professional installation can be more reliable and less stressful, but DIY may reduce costs if you have the necessary skills.
Weigh the pros and cons based on the complexity of the existing system and your technical ability.
5. Test the Water Submetering System
Before the system goes live, you should thoroughly test it to ensure it functions correctly. Check if the meters track water usage accurately and if the data is correct. Resolve any issues to avoid problems after installation.
6. Install and Activate the Smart Water Submeter
After thorough testing, you can proceed with the actual installation of the smart water submeters.
If you went the DIY route, follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully to ensure each unit is installed correctly.
Once installed, activate the system and monitor it for initial performance to confirm everything is working as expected.
7. Train Staff on Maintenance and Upkeep
Finally, train your property management staff on the new water submetering system. Focus on how to monitor usage, handle data, and perform basic troubleshooting. Proper training ensures that your team can manage the submetering system effectively.
Case Study: DrizzleX Cuts Water Bill by 67%
A 57-unit property in Peoria, Illinois, saw big savings after switching to DrizzleX. Before the upgrade, the building used over 20,000 gallons of water each day. That dropped to just under 7,000 gallons after the system was installed.
On a per-tenant level, daily water use went from 180 gallons down to 60. Monthly water costs dropped too, going from $81 per unit to just $27. That’s a big win for both the property manager and the tenants.
Over the course of a year, this change saved the property $37,525. That’s a 67% reduction in water use, simply by installing a smarter system to track and manage water. The local water rate was $5.64 per HCF, and the savings came out to 9.6 HCF per unit each month.
These numbers show how much water and money can be saved without cutting back on comfort. It’s a good example of how smart tools can make property operations more efficient.
How DrizzleX Can Help You With Water Submetering
DrizzleX helps you detect hidden leaks, like running toilets and dripping faucets. These leaks can waste a lot of water without you even noticing.
The system also alerts you when a tenant’s water usage goes beyond the normal range. Most buildings that use DrizzleX cut their water bills by a significant percentage, usually between 25% to 45%, or sometimes even more.
You also don’t have to wait long to see results. On average, buildings recover the full cost of the system in about nine months.
Usage Reports With Water Control
DrizzleX gives you detailed reports that show water use in each unit. This form of insight helps you speak with tenants about their habits using real numbers.
Many people have no idea how much water they waste. With this report, you can highlight conservation measures and stop waste before it grows into a bigger cost.
Leak Detection To Catch Hidden Problems
You won’t catch every leak with inspections. Some are silent. But they still show up on your utility accounts. DrizzleX tracks water flow in real time, so you can spot small leaks early.
The system tells you where the leak is and how much money it could be wasting.
Email Alerts So You Can Take Quick Action
When a leak happens, you get an alert by mail. The email gives you the full picture. You’ll know the exact apartment and fixture, how much water was lost, what it might cost you, and how to fix it. That way, you don’t have to guess or waste time.
Fair Billing Based On Actual Use
DrizzleX helps you bill tenants fairly. When people see their own water use, they usually cut back. That simple change in practice can save water across the whole building.
You can use DrizzleX to create accurate bills and even share a note or sign on doors to remind tenants to check for leaks.
FAQs About Submetering Water Usage
What does water submetering mean?
Water submetering means installing separate meters for each unit in a building so tenants can see exactly how much water they use.
Instead of sharing the cost through the main meter, sub metering helps break down usage by unit, so residents only pay for what they use. It’s a way to track water consumption more fairly and reduce water waste.
What are the disadvantages of submetering?
One downside of submetering water is the cost of installation and setup, especially in older buildings where walls may need work.
Some tenants may not like the switch if they used to pay a flat fee. Also, smart meters and meter reading systems need regular maintenance, and billing mistakes can happen if the data isn’t accurate.
Is submetering legal?
Yes, submetering utilities like water and gas is legal in many places, but the rules depend on your city or state.
Some areas have strict rules about how billing works, what needs to be in the lease, and how tenants are informed. Property owners should check local laws or contact the water board or city to review what’s allowed.
Can I switch back to unmetered water?
In some cases, yes, you can go back to unmetered water if your property’s main meter setup allows it and your city or utility company agrees. But once smart meters or submetering tech are in place, switching back may not be free or simple.
It can be tricky to remove meters if they’re in hard-to-reach spots like sewer lines or underground pumps. It’s best to contact your water service provider to see if taking out submeters is possible.
