For the majority of building owners and developers of multi-tenant buildings, the advantages of smart water meters outweigh the drawbacks. Water meters are ideal for multi-building campuses where the water distribution system is managed centrally. Smart water meters also make it easier for municipalities to detect leaks and measure water accurately. For property owners and managers, the debate about smart meters often centers around prepaid meters vs smart meters for managing tenants water.
At Water Utility Solutions, we strive to provide all of our clients with sustainable turnkey water solutions while also saving money and reducing water waste.
We assist body corporates and large businesses with the utility needs of their building, providing a service of excellence designed for efficiency.
Prepaid meters in Residential buildings
Each type of water meter is best suited to a particular property, e.g., residential-prepaid, commercial, industrial and retail-smart. In residential properties, prepaid water meters are easier to manage. Prepaid meters work through a token system.
Advantages – This pay-as-you-go form of water use enables the tenant to better budget for their water use and encourages them to be mindful of water wastage. It also makes better financial sense, as the tenant has control over their water use, releasing the property owner of the financial burden. This also means that tenants in low-income areas do not run the risk of being in debt with their utility expenses.
Disadvantages – For a property owner or building manager, one of the main disadvantages of prepaid water meters is cost. The upfront cost of installing meters; residents’ inconvenience during the installation period and the feasibility of putting in such meters are all important factors to consider alongside the advantages.
Smart water for commercial, industrial and retail.
Smart water metres use wireless connections to take readings remotely and provide data 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are ‘smart’ because they collect time-stamped water consumption data and securely share it with a water supplier or municipality via an automated control system.
Advantages – Smart water meters provide constant and immediate visibility into the current state of your water usage. The cutting-edge devices assist tenants of these types of properties by allowing them to closely monitor their water usage and ensure proper billing.
Disadvantages – To function properly, meters must be connected to a power source. Often, the best location for the meter is not always the easiest place to run power wiring. This is true in confined or remote areas. High maintenance costs have also hindered the widespread installation of smart meters. The meters need regular calibration and inspection for accuracy.
Prepaid vs Smart Meters: Which Water Meter is Best?
Each type of water meter is designed for a specific application. Water Utility Solutions engineers are highly qualified and experienced to help and consult on the best type of water meter for your property. Their inside knowledge of current industry trends allows them to identify the correct equipment for every application, and their expertise ensures they install it right the first time.
To help in your decision, we have listed some other advantages of smart water meters below;
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Enhanced water consumption monitoring
Users of smart water meters can also compare their statistics over annual, monthly, or weekly time periods to determine how they can make their properties more efficient.
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Easier & faster leak detection and repair
Smart water meters also aid in early and accurate leak detection as well as easier and more efficient leak repair. You can not only carefully monitor increased usage as a sign of a potential leak, but you will also receive email or SMS alerts if there is a leak anywhere on your property. This way, you can avoid costly repairs and structural damage.
Closely monitoring and investigating the main statistics of your water consumption assists in clearly identifying the critical areas where you need to cut back on use in order to reap the greatest savings.
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