Owners who wish to control rising water costs should first encourage conservation. This is, however, only an initial step. It may also not prove to be effective as tenants who do not pay for their own water do to tend to worry about how much they use. The ultimate solution in most cases is to install a water submeter.
How Does Water Submetering work?
Water submetering is the distribution of water costs throughout a multi-unit complex of rental properties. The expenses are based on the actual usage of each tenant. The way an owner accomplishes this is through the installation of a sub meter. This measures the usage for each unit.
The process is not a complex one. Although some rental units are not compatible with the process or system, many are. The process for most installations and operations of such systems is as follows:
1. A water management company installs a compatible water meter for each unit
2. The water submeter has a connection directly to a wireless transmitter (radio frequency) system
3. The transmitter converts the data from the meter into a signal which is usually sent daily
4. Repeaters amplify the signals from the transmitters for transmission to the receiver
5. The receiver, usually one per building, receives the data an stores it for later retrieval by the department in charge of billing
The information is then recorded by the billing department. It uses it to prepare the bills the tenant receives. The company also places certain information on the net for easy access by tenants and building owners alike. This includes such things as water consumption rates and time of increased usage.
Who Should Consider Water Sub Metering?
Sub metering is often considered to be only for those who have large multi-unit properties. However, this is not valid. Today, water submetering is available for properties that may be as small as a duplex or as large as a towering apartment structure. In fact, many different types of housing units can enjoy the benefits of sub metering. These include:
* Multifamily units – Apartments, duplex, triplex, hi-rise, lo-rise
* Condominiums- Condos and townhomes
* Commercial- Office, retail, industrial, warehouse
* New Construction
All these can benefit from installing water submetering systems.
Water Submeter Systems: Reducing Utility Costs
Submetering can help owners and even tenants reduce their water usage and, therefore, their water bills. While the owners may have other options, including water bills as part of the rent, sub metering is a more viable option. Once considered only for an owner with large and multiple multi-family units, water submeter systems are now viewed as an excellent solution for all types and sizes of property.
