Smart water meters give your business more accurate bills, better visibility of water use, and quicker identification of issues such as leaks.
What is a smart water meter?
Smart water meters (sometimes called water smart meters) are modern, digitally enabled meters that automatically collect and send water usage data. Unlike traditional meters, which are usually read manually once or twice a year, smart meters provide regular readings without the need for site visits.
This means you will receive more accurate information about how much water your business is using, helping you understand consumption patterns and manage water usage more effectively.
Why are smart meters being rolled out?
Smart water meters are being rolled out across the non-household market to improve the overall customer experience and support better water management.
The rollout aims to:
Improve billing accuracy
- Forget estimated readings. Water smart meters collect accurate data in real time, so your bills will always be based on actual usage.
Reduce estimated bills
- Traditional water meters provide readings that are mostly based on estimates, meaning your business could be overpaying for water usage. Water smart meters provide accurate bills, so you always pay for what you use without any unpleasant surprises.
Improve visibility of water use
- With water smart meters, your business gets clearer insights into how and when your water is used.
Identify potential issues (such as leaks) earlier
- Water smart meters an opportunity to spot unusual usage patterns sooner, allowing you to address them before they become more serious or costly.
Support water efficiency and sustainability
- At Everflow, we want to help businesses become more sustainable and water smart meters are a tool in helping protect long-term water resources.
What this means for your business
When your business is selected for a smart meter installation, you can expect clear and timely communication throughout the process.
Clear communication before, during, and after installation
You will receive information in advance explaining what will happen, whether access is needed, and how long the work is expected to take. During installation, you’ll know who is attending and what they will be doing. After installation, you’ll receive guidance on how to benefit from your smart meter. We’ll be there every step of the way.
No change to your contract or rights
Your water smart meter will meet all required industry standards and will not change your existing contract terms. The installation process is designed to be straightforward, and you will not be disadvantaged by having a smart meter installed.
Better insight into your water use
Once installed, smart meters provide regular, automatic readings. This allows you to:
- Monitor water use more closely
- Spot leaks or unusual usage more quickly
- Understand trends that can help improve efficiency and control costs
Roles in the non-household water market
Different organisations are responsible for various aspects of the non-household water market:
- Wholesalers usually own and install smart meters.
- Retailers (like Everflow) manage your account, billing, and usage information.
- MOSL and the Retailer-Wholesaler Group (RWG) set good industry practice to ensure customers receive clear and consistent communications.
Everflow will always be your main point of contact and will support you throughout your smart meter journey.
Accessing your smart meter data
Smart meter readings will be collected through an industry-wide system called the Smart Meter Read Hub (SMRH).
The SMRH:
Collects automatic readings from smart meters.
Validates data to ensure it meets industry standards.
Makes readings available to the correct wholesaler and retailer.
You do not need to interact with the SMRH directly. Everflow will use this data to support accurate billing and provide usage information.
The SMRH is expected to go live towards the end of 2026. As the programme progresses, we’ll continue to develop ways to share useful consumption insights with customers.
Read our smart meter FAQs for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to do anything?
No. When your business is selected, your wholesaler will contact you in advance with the installation window and any preparation steps.
Will my water supply be interrupted?
There may be a short interruption to your supply while the meter is swapped, but your wholesaler will confirm the details in advance.
Who will carry out the installation?
The installation will be completed by your water wholesaler or a contractor working on their behalf. They will contact you directly to arrange access if required.
How much does it cost?
There’s no additional cost for you – the installation is part of the national smart meter programme.
Can I request a smart meter appointment?
Some wholesalers are currently able to accept customer requests for smart meters, while others are focusing on planned rollout programmes.
Availability depends on your wholesaler and their current rollout stage. Everflow can help explain what is possible for your site and keep you informed as programmes develop.
How is my data used and kept secure?
Smart meter data is transmitted securely and used for purposes such as billing, identifying potential leaks, and improving services. Data handling follows strict industry and data protection standards.
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With award-winning services, we help you secure the utilities you need at the price you want. Using a tech-led approach, we keep utilities simple, so that organisations just like yours can get the right commercial water supply, waste management, and connectivity – hassle-free. We’ll help your business save money and boost sustainability, with access to cost effective and environmentally friendly waste management solutions that tick your boxes. If you’re looking for the most suitable commercial waste collection services for your business, look no further. Reach out today and find out how we can help you!
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