The Sewerage and Water Board’s Smart Metering Program is underway. SWBNO is replacing its current meters with smart water meters. This new technology is reliable and industry proven.
Smart meters will fix problems caused by the age of our water distribution system. SWBNO's average residential water meter is 14 years old and requires manual reads. The current meters also tend to lose accuracy over time, often under-recording water use.
In contrast, the new smart meters will collect frequent, accurate water use readings. Then the meters send the information to SWBNO’s billing system through a secure network. Soon, that data will also be available on a new customer portal. With the smart metering system in place, we can read all of our approximately 140,000 meters automatically and remotely.
The result? The end of most surprise high bills, errors, and routine estimations caused by manual reads. Your new smart meter and customer portal will empower you as a customer. This technology will also help SWBNO respond faster and more efficiently to customers’ needs.
Confidence bills reflect actual customer use.
Nearly eliminates estimated bills
More accurate, frequent water use readings
Automatically tracks health of meter
Empowering customers with modern account management tools.
Near real-time leak detection and alerts
Water use budgeting tools
24/7 access to your water use info
After years of planning and preparation, this much-needed investment is moving forward. As of September 2023, SWBNO has the infrastructure in place to begin upgrading meters across the city! The first major phase of installations includes customers with 1.5” and 2” meters. These meter sizes serve businesses, multi-family buildings, and single-family residences. Installations for all other meter sizes are anticipated to start in late 2023.
We anticipate it will take approximately three years to install all 140,000 meters.
Before Installation
Before a customer receives a new smart meter, SWBNO will provide:
During Installation
Our contracted meter installer will arrive in a company-marked vehicle. They will be wearing an easily identifiable uniform and have an individual identification badge.
Residential Customers
Commercial Customers
After Installation
Standard operating procedures after a meter has been replaced is to run the water for a few minutes from an outside spigot if one can be located. Sometimes a meter replacement can allow air, debris, or potential contaminants to enter your water line. We recommend you flush your plumbing by running the cold water in your bathtub or shower for a few minutes.
For additional flushing after a meter change: