Smart water meters could save 1,000Ml/d and cut UK emissions

One billion litres of water a day (1,000Ml/d) and 0.5% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions could be saved by the mid 2030s if a million smart water meters were fitted each year in the UK for the next 15 years.

That was the headline conclusion of a new report from Arqiva and Waterwise, Smart water metering and the climate emergency. The authors used data from smart meters already fitted to show the impact on household consumption and leakage reduction, and the consequent lessening of emissions associated with water supply and use as well as increased water left in the environment.

The authors said a rollout programme of that scale was “both achievable and realistic based on current technology and services” and argued it should form a key part of green recovery activity.

Arqiva and Waterwise called for the following specific, immediate actions:

• PR24 investment planning to enable water companies to accelerate smart meter rollout, with the removal of constraints associated with water stress classification;

• a mandated programme in England so all households have a smart meter by 2035, with support in place for those who would struggle with bills; and

• for the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to review their current positions and encourage the industry to adopt smart water metering.