Smart Water Metering: Water Conservation More Effective When We Know How Much are We Using?; Main Problem with Submetering is Cost of Installation (Aguanomics)

Mar.19, 2009 in Prop Management, Water Conservation

(March 19, 2009, Aguanomics)

ID asks:

One of the structural issues I see with regard to pricing water is metering.

I’m sure the technology exists or could easily exit to monitor my water usage tied to a dollar amount.

I would like an easy to read display: Gallons used, unit cost, total cost. Generally metering is on the side of the house or apartment not particularly convenient for the consumer.

In apartments they tend to spread the cost across the units; no sub metering: I’m thrifty with my water my neighbor is not – I subsidize him.

The cost of putting effective metering in place seems to me a hurdle that needs be addressed. I think the same could be said of electricity too.

ID asks lots of interesting questions, and I suggest that he (and others) read these posts on metering errors, how NOT to use meters (measuring a house and not the people in it), and how to meter businesses.

So here are my answers:

Yes, the technology exists, but the benefit (saved water) is far less than the cost.

Yes, engineers design for their convenience, not the customers — also see (1).

Read why landlords want to avoid sub-metering.

Same as (1), but note how electricty is more valuable, therefore justifying smart meters/grids.

Bottom Line: Water conservation is much easier when we know how much we are using.

(Original Post Here)