Search Menu Toggle
Close Menu

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?

Arrow icon

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.

I am a household customer, are you fitting Smart meters in homes?

Arrow icon

We’re also fitting Smart meters for our household customers. If selected, we’ll contact customers directly to explain the meter fitting process and benefits of a Smart meter. You can find more information here.

Are Smart meters safe for health?

Arrow icon

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.

What’s the difference between a meter and a Smart meter?

Arrow icon

Meter: An AMR meter automatically collects and transmits water usage data at intervals when a vehicle drives by.

Smart Meter: An AMI meter communicates directly with us, providing near real-time data on water usage up to 30 times a day.

Who reads and bills me for my consumption?

Arrow icon

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.

How will you provide businesses with Smart meter data?

Arrow icon

Data from Smart meters will be provided to Retailers who manage billing for businesses.

What is the NHH market?

Arrow icon

The non-household market allows businesses and organizations to choose their water supplier. Water companies, like Affinity Water, sell water to Retailers who then provide customer services, billing, and support. Read more here or visit Open Water.

What if I don’t have a meter currently and don’t want one?

Arrow icon

Smart meters are being rolled out across the region to reduce water demand. These installations are compulsory, as authorized by the Water Industry Act 1991.

What will happen to existing logging equipment?

Arrow icon

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
Enable Recite