Water utilities face growing pressure from aging infrastructure, rising demand, and increasing water losses. Smart Water Meters (SWM) improve visibility across distribution systems and provide customers with timely information that supports efficient water use. These capabilities strengthen long-term water resilience and support sustainable resource management. Read how the My ATX Water program demonstrates these principles against international benchmarks.
Data-Driven Water Management
SWM replaces traditional analog meters with digital devices that automatically record and transmit water consumption data through secure wireless communications. Unlike manual meter reading, SWM provides frequent consumption updates that improve operational awareness for both utilities and customers. This continuous flow of information allows utilities to identify abnormal consumption patterns more quickly. It also supports more accurate billing and strengthens confidence in water use reporting.
Leak Detection Systems
One of the primary advantages of SWM is early leak detection. Continuous monitoring enables utilities and customers to identify unusual water use before small leaks become significant losses. Automated notifications encourage timely investigation and repair, which reduce unnecessary water consumption and limit infrastructure stress. Early intervention also lowers operating costs and improves the efficiency of water distribution systems.
Customer Water Management
SWM provides customers with practical tools that encourage informed water use decisions. Daily consumption reports, customizable alerts, and water-budgeting features help users understand how their activities affect overall demand. Access to near real-time information allows customers to respond quickly to unexpected increases in consumption. Better awareness often supports conservation efforts while reducing avoidable water expenses.
Utility System Performance
SWM strengthens utility operations by providing accurate and consistent consumption data across large service areas. Digital measurements improve the quality of system analysis and support planning for maintenance, asset management, and future investment. Secure data transmission protects customer information while ensuring reliable communication between meters and utility systems. As part of broader digital water management strategies, SWM improves operational efficiency and contributes to more resilient urban water services.
Case Study: My ATX Water
Austin City Council approved contracts for the My ATX Water program on March 26, 2020, enabling Austin Water to modernize its metering system. Over the following five years, the utility replaced more than 250,000 analog meters with electronically read smart meters connected through a secure wireless network. The program forms part of Austin Water’s Water Forward 100 year water resource plan, which supports long-term water conservation objectives. Customers receive near real-time daily water use information, customized notifications, leak alerts, water budgeting tools, and consumption reports through the My ATX Water Customer Portal.
The smart meters transmit encrypted water-use data daily and operate on battery-powered devices that continue collecting data during electrical outages. Austin Water states that the system cannot remotely regulate or disconnect customer water service. Customers continue receiving monthly water and wastewater bills, although digital meters may measure consumption more accurately than older analog devices. Customers who choose to opt out retain digital meters without wireless communications and pay a monthly manual meter reading charge. They also forgo automated leak alerts, daily usage data, and emergency notifications delivered through the customer portal.
Since implementation began, Austin Water has installed approximately 267,000 wireless smart meters. According to the utility, leak notifications and customer repairs have saved an estimated 1.2 billion gallons of water since 2021. The program complements broader infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of aging water pipes, helping reduce water losses while supporting more resilient and sustainable urban water management.
Take-Out
SWM improves utility operations and customer awareness by combining accurate measurement, continuous monitoring, and timely information. When integrated with broader infrastructure investment, they help reduce water losses while strengthening long-term resilience and sustainability.