A smart meter is a digital device that measures utility consumption such as water, electricity, or gas and transmits the data remotely. In this article, we focus specifically on smart meters for water systems. These devices automatically collect usage data, can detect leaks, and provide almost real-time insights through data management platforms or mobile apps. This makes them an essential tool for efficient water management and leak prevention.
In the sections below, we explore what smart meters look like, their size and design characteristics, and how they differ from traditional models.
Smart meters come in various shapes and sizes, but they generally fall into three categories:
Smart water meters – whether retrofitted, hybrid, or fully integrated – are changing how water usage is tracked and billed. Property owners and managers can choose a solution tailored to their building infrastructure and overall needs: non-integrated retrofits to quickly modernize existing meters for remote readings and leak alerts, hybrid systems to retain the familiarity of mechanical meters while gaining digital accuracy for billing, or integrated smart meters for an advanced, long-term metering infrastructure with superior accuracy and analytics. All three approaches bring tangible improvements over manual reads or RUBS estimates.
The image above shows a fully integrated smart meter, combining ultrasonic technology, data transmission, and display functionality in one compact unit.
Smart meters come in different sizes, depending on the market, property type, and use case.For example,”Axioma metering” smart meter sizes vary: 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 inch for the U.S. market, and different sizes in the EU market.
These sizes are appropriate for almost all residential installations and purposes, bringing an effective solution in a compact, space-saving package.
Meters for commercial or industrial use may be significantly larger – up to 20 inches or more – to accommodate higher flow rates or larger pipe diameters. Despite advanced features, most smart meters are designed to remain compact and efficient in terms of space.
Feature | Smart Meter | Traditional Meter |
Measurement Method | Ultrasonic or enhanced with transmitters | Mechanical (gears, turbines, pistons) |
Accuracy | High, sustained over time | Declines with wear and debris |
Installation Flexibility | Any angle or orientation | Limited to specific orientations |
Data Collection | Remote, automatic | Manual, in-person |
Leak Detection | Built-in (if integrated) | Not available |
Maintenance | Minimal (no moving parts in ultrasonic types) | Periodic service required |
Smart meter adoption is increasing as property owners and other stakeholders become aware of its expansive and comprehensive benefits when it comes to water management. Smart meters offer a range of benefits that make them a future-proof solution for water management:
Compared with traditional water meters, smart meters are an efficient, cost-effective upgrade packed with innovative technology. They offer a comprehensive, efficient, and automated solution that reduces complexity and simplifies water management for property owners and residents.
At Mainlink, we offer integrated ultrasonic smart meters that eliminate the need for external displays, transmitters, and repeaters. This reduces installation complexity and long-term maintenance costs. Our meters provide reliable data, empower residents through mobile access, and deliver full visibility for property owners via a cloud-based meter data management system.
Mainlink’s metering and submetering solutions provide a cost-effective solution that empowers property owners to make strategic decisions. The robust Mainhive data management platform delivers a cost-effective, fully-featured metering platform that scales well whether you need it for smaller properties or large, multifamily mobile home parks. With customizable reports, precise data for billing, and fully automated data collection, Mainlink offers a smooth user experience that’s both sustainable and scalable.
Mainlink’s user-friendly, resident-focused app allows residents to track their own usage and become full participants in the water management process. This delivers tangible benefits to both owners and residents, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and cooperation.
Smart meters are compact, intelligent devices that bring measurable value to both property owners and end users. Whether you’re managing a residential complex or retrofitting an older building, upgrading to integrated smart metering offers a high-accuracy, maintenance-free, and reliable solution with remote meter data for advanced water management.
Ready to modernize your metering system? Book a consultation with Mainlink to explore how our NTEP-certified solution can meet your property’s needs.