Smart Water Meters in the UK - A Simple Guide

What Are Smart Water Meters?

Smart water meters automatically record usage and transmit readings to suppliers electronically. They utilise technology similar to smart energy meters, eliminating the need for manual meter submissions.

The primary benefit is automatic meter reading transmission, simplifying bill management. Additionally, users can monitor consumption through online accounts, often with hourly breakdowns showing usage and costs. Research suggests smart meters can boost water efficiency by approximately 12%.

How Does A Smart Meter Work?

Key differences from traditional meters include:

1. Smart meters send automatic readings throughout the day rather than requiring manual submissions
2. They feature a digital display instead of traditional dials
3. The meter serial number location differs - typically above a barcode rather than above the reading

Will A Smart Water Meter Benefit Me?

Smart meters benefit customers already using metered supply. Advantages and disadvantages include:

How Much Does A Smart Water Meter Cost?

Water companies provide free installation as part of government green utility initiatives. The only exception is Scotland, where the market is regulated separately and domestic metering is much rarer overall.

Will A Smart Water Meter Save Me Money?

Savings depend on your current billing type:

Unmetered properties are charged by rateable value (property size, location, services). Installing a meter may increase bills since exact usage replaces estimates. Larger families often benefit from unmetered billing.

Metered properties already pay by usage. Smart meters enable frequent readings and real-time data access, allowing efficiency improvements and potential savings.

The Consumer Council for Water offers a calculator considering supplier, sewerage provider, household size, and current charges. A useful rule of thumb is that any home with fewer occupants than bedrooms will almost always save money on a meter - see our average UK water bill guide for typical figures by household size.

How To Read A Smart Water Meter

Though meters send readings automatically, occasional manual checks verify accuracy. Smart meters display five black digits followed by decimal points - record only the five black digits, as suppliers bill by complete usage units.

Readings can be submitted via online accounts, phone, or post. Our water meter reading guide covers the submission process for each major UK supplier.

What Does A Smart Water Meter Look Like?

Smart meters are typically circular with central digital displays, usually white with blue outlines (particularly Kamstrup models). Location varies by property type:

• Flats: kitchen near the water stop tap
• Houses: garden or garage
• External installations: small ground boxes near the footpath

Meters may have rubber frost-proof covers requiring screwdriver removal for access.

Are Smart Water Meters Compulsory?

Compulsion varies by supplier:

Thames Water and Anglian Water require smart meters for efficiency and environmental reasons; other suppliers leave the decision to the customer.

How Do I Get A Smart Water Meter Installed?

Suppliers contact households via email or letter with reference numbers for appointment management. You can also request installation directly.

External installations may require two engineer visits: one for surveying and meter box installation, another (weeks later) for the smart meter itself. Water supply may be interrupted for 30 minutes during work.

Activation notification arrives within 90 days. External installations do not require customer presence, but gardens must remain safe and accessible.

Can I Choose Where I Want My Smart Water Meter?

Location requests may be possible, but engineers are limited by existing pipe positions and "may not always be able to comply" with preferences. Accessibility accommodations should be discussed with suppliers beforehand.

Can I Have My Smart Water Meter Removed?

After installation, customers typically have a one to two-year grace period to request removal at no cost. Later removal requests may be declined or incur charges. In compulsory metering areas - notably Thames Water, Anglian Water and Southern Water - opting out is not an option at all.

Can I Get A Smart Water Meter For Business?

Yes. Business smart meters eliminate manual reading submissions, display high-usage periods, enable accurate billing predictions, and charge only for actual consumption. Because UK businesses can choose their water supplier, smart metering is particularly useful when comparing offers and negotiating contracts.

Are Smart Water Meters Safe?

Smart meters emit low-frequency radio waves (averaging 25 mW), substantially less than mobile phones (2,000 mW). Public Health England confirms they pose no health risks, and data is held securely under Data Protection Act compliance.

Smart Water Meter FAQ

Useful Water Guides

For more on UK water meters, bills and suppliers, browse our related guides:

• UK water meters explained - how meters work, costs and savings
• How to read a water meter - traditional and smart meters, step-by-step
• Average UK water bill - typical figures by household size
• All UK water suppliers - find the right company for your postcode

The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions.