In the next five years and beyond, there may not be enough water to meet the needs of everyone who works and/or lives in our region, unless we make changes.
We’re introducing Smart meters to both households and non-household properties to help everyone understand their usage. Fitting a Smart water meter will help to show the amount of water being used at the properties and will also detect leaks.
We’re planning a trial phase of fitting Smart meters to understand how it helps people and businesses reduce their usage. We’ll start with the trial phase by predominately to household properties, but we'll also be fitting 20 Smart meters into non-household premises, with a larger-scale installation programme to follow in AMP8 (the next five-year phase, starting in April 2025) and beyond.
When we know more about the success of this trial, we’ll update this webpage with the plan for AMP8. When more details are known about the areas we’ll start with, we’ll publish more information on this page. As the plan progresses, we’ll keep this webpage up to date.
What happens next?
We’ll start fitting Smart meters in non-household premises soon. Premises will be contacted directly if a Smart meter is scheduled. We’ll stay in touch with the business owner in the lead-up to and during the fitting.
If the property doesn’t already have a meter, we’ll visit to see where we could fit a Smart meter and try to fit it while we're there. We may have to visit again and there’s a chance we may have to dig a small hole to complete the fitting.
When at the premises, we’ll make sure to keep noise and disturbance to a minimum. We’ll work with the business to accommodate any requirements where possible and discuss any interruption timescales. In all cases where a dig or internal fit is required, we’ll notify the businesses in advance.
We’ll work with our business retailers and give them notice of our plans and our rollout strategy as it progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Smart meter?
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As we’re still early in the plan for Smart metering, people currently can’t apply. However, we’ll be in touch with each business directly if they’ll be getting a Smart meter.
Are Smart meters safe for health?
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Yes, they’re safe. The Smart meters we’re installing comply with UK and EU safety regulations and will only emit a very low amount of radio waves, much less than a mobile phone.
Who reads and bills me for my consumption?
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As a Wholesaler, we provide, operate, and maintain water assets and services. Retailers handle billing, meter readings, customer service, and may provide additional services such as water efficiency advice, leak detection, and repairs.
What will happen to existing logging equipment?
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We’ll notify businesses, the Retailer, and any third parties of our plans. If possible, we’ll fit a Smart meter and reconnect existing equipment. If logging equipment is found, we’ll pause work, contact the owner, and proceed based on the response. If we’re unable to identify an owner, we’ll proceed with our work and leave equipment within the pit.
All loggers should be labelled as per our terms and conditions.
Tips for water efficiency
Smart meters can help you to keep track of your water usage. You can help play a part in protecting our water resources by changing a few small daily water habits.
Get water saving tips