What is a smart water meter?
A smart water meter is a simple way to track how much water your household uses. It securely sends us multiple readings each day. It can help spot leaks, save water and save you money.
Once it’s fitted, it just gets on with the job. There’s nothing for you to do, it works quietly in the background, keeping things ticking along whilst you get on with life.
Why get a smart water meter?
Save money
Your smart water meter is connected to your online account, putting you in control of what you use and what you pay.
Find leaks
You’ll be able to monitor your usage and view your readings through your Yorkshire Water online account, helping you keep an eye out for any leaks.
Save water
The more smart water meters we have, the more we can help reduce leaks and save water for future generations.
How do you get a smart water meter?
If you already have a standard water meter
If you have an old water meter (fitted before 2022), you'll have it upgraded to a smart water meter for free between now and 2030. This is part of a nationwide drive to help our homes use water more efficiently.
If you don't have a water meter
If you don't have a meter of any kind don't worry: you don't have to wait for our smart water meter upgrade rollout to reach you - you can request a smart water meter at any time and it won't cost you a penny.
Do I already have a smart meter?
Check your bill: if it doesn't say, 'your property has a smart meter' then you have an old meter or no meter at all. You can also look around your home - meters are usually fitted by your indoor or outdoor stop tap.
Any further questions?
Can I switch my water meter to a smart water meter?
We are working to replace 1.4 million water meters with smart water meters in the next few years. When it’s time to upgrade your meter, we’ll be in touch. If you already have an online account, please check your details are up to date, if you need to update your contact details, please give us a call on 0345 124 2424.
If you don’t have an online account, you can create an online account.
Do I have to get a smart water meter, or can I opt out?
You can’t choose to opt out of getting a smart water meter as we are only fitting smart water meters in homes that already have a water meter. We need to replace your current meter because it’s coming to the end of its life. Water companies have legal rights under the Water Industry Act 1991 to access your property when needed. This includes installing, checking, reading, repairing, or replacing your water meter. If your meter is inside your home, we will contact you to arrange an appointment to change your meter at a time that suits you, and we will do our best to cause as little disruption as possible.
Can I see the data from my smart water meter?
If you have an online account then you can easily see how much water you’ve used. Smart water meters show your readings once the network is set up in your area. If you don’t already have one, create an online account.
How does the smart water meter check for leaks?
Smart water meters can spot any usual spikes in water usage that could be a sign of a leak.
Are smart water meters safe?
Yes, smart water meters are safe to use. Public Health England says the radio waves from smart meters do not harm your health. Our smart water meters are low powered and give off much less radio signal than devices people use every day. The meter uses 25mW of power, which is about 12 times less than a mobile phone (up to 300mW) and 10 times less than a cordless phone (up to 250mW).
How do I know if my home has a smart water meter?
If your water meter looks like this, then you have a smart meter:
If we have installed a smart water meter for you recently, we will have given you an information card or posted one through your letterbox.
If you’re not sure whether you have a smart water meter, you can check your latest bill or give us a call on 0345 1 25 25 20, and we’ll be happy to help.
Does a smart water meter need electricity?
Smart water meters use a battery. They do not need electricity or Wi‑Fi from your home. The battery lasts about 15 years, which covers the life of the meter. If the battery ever runs low, we will replace it for free.
How can I find an existing meter?
The meter can be located either inside your home, generally under the sink or by a toilet. If the meter is outside it is usually in a boundary box (which is a small access point near the boundary of your property, which also contains your water pipes).
If your water meter is indoors, you’ll usually find it close to where the water supply enters your home, often near the internal stop tap. It could be:
- near the downstairs toilet
- in the utility room
- under the sink.
If your water meter is outdoors, it will likely be near the incoming water pipe or stop tap. But it could also be:
- at the end of the property
- along a footpath outside your home
- on a verge
- on your driveway.