Smart water metering is transforming utilities from reactive billing entities into data-driven managers of demand and losses. Modern meters combine sensors, connectivity and analytics to detect leaks, reduce non-revenue water and improve customer engagement. Yet many utilities remain unsure how to implement systems effectively and secure long-term value.

In response to this, the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN), partnered with the Water Research Foundation to create the Smart Metering Playbook.

“Municipal smart metering is a consequential investment for water utilities worldwide but up until now, those embarking on that journey have had to navigate without a true compass. This playbook changes that. Built on the collective expertise of over 50 utilities, engineering firms, and technology partners across 22 countries, this industry resource orients entities within the evolving smart metering landscape, helping them understand where they are along the maturity curve. It equips utilities and their partners with the tools to proactively identify risk, structure smarter procurement, and derisk decisions at every stage of the journey – from forming the business case to full-scale deployment. In a sector where getting it wrong costs communities dearly, we have curated this to be the trusted guide the water industry has long needed.”

A research team carried out an extensive literature review and collaborated with utilities and the supporting ecosystem to gather key learnings from project initiation to benefits realisation after deployment. This was followed by the launch of a global utility smart metering survey, covering key questions related to smart metering drivers, meter selection and communication protocol considerations.

The research team also conducted interviews with dozens of utilities and meter industry representatives and collected global smart metering case studies.

Key findings

Smart metering delivers value beyond billing – utilities are leveraging AMR and AMI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce water loss, optimise asset management, and drive meaningful customer engagement

Success requires cross-functional alignment – effective smart metering initiatives require collaboration and stakeholder engagement across departments – particularly IT, operations, customer service, and leadership and alignment with strategic utility goals.

Communication networks are strategic assets – as utilities shift from AMR to AMI, the choice of wireless communication (cellular, long range wide area network (LoRaWAN), narrowband-Internet of things [NB-IoT]) becomes critical not only for connectivity, but for broader smart city and infrastructure convergence goals.

Metering data is the real value driver – high-frequency data from AMI systems unlocks opportunities for near real-time insights, predictive maintenance, advanced leak detection, and enhanced customer transparency.

Smart metering is not one-size-fits-all – meter types, deployment models, business cases, and technology strategies must be tailored to local context, including geography, regulation, budget, and customer needs. Contrary to when smart metering first entered the water sector, there are now many meter vendor options, more communication protocols, and unique business models to consider such as Metering-as-a-Service and Network-as-a-Service.

Path forward

To realise the full value of smart metering, utilities must:

• Align metering investments with clear organisational goals (reducing water loss, enhancing customer service, improving asset management).
• Develop internal capacity to interpret and act on the data collected through AMR/AMI systems.
• Leverage partnerships with experienced vendors, software providers, and consultants to accelerate deployment and optimise performance.
• Prioritise change management and staff training to support evolving roles and customer expectations.
• Track measurable outcomes such as reduced non-revenue water, increased billing accuracy, and improved customer engagement.

Some of the outcomes from the survey

Hardware

The majority of utilities surveyed (69%) indicated plans to procure static or smart meters rather than traditional mechanical meters, signalling a clear industry shift toward smart metering.

Unlike mechanical meters, smart meters require active management throughout their lifecycle, including battery monitoring, firmware updates, data transmission performance, and cybersecurity oversight. These devices function as part of an integrated digital system, requiring coordination between IT, operations, and customer service teams.

Despite these advantages, battery life emerged as the top hardware-related concern among respondents, underscoring the need for utilities to consider long-term maintenance strategies and total cost of ownership when transitioning to smart metering technologies.

Software

In this digital ecosystem, metering software bridges the gap between field data and utility strategy. For utilities to fully capture the benefits of smart metering investments, it is essential to invest in scalable, interoperable, and user-friendly platforms that can evolve alongside the technology and the utility’s operational needs.

Beyond the meter data management system, utilities are increasingly adopting smart water platforms that integrate smart meter data with operational technologies such as SCADA, GIS, and work order management systems.

This integration enables the use of digital twins, advanced analytics, and interactive dashboards for:

• Optimising network performance and reducing non-revenue water.
• Enhancing asset management through predictive maintenance.
• Modelling system behaviour under different demand, pressure, or climate scenarios.
• Supporting regulatory compliance and sustainability reporting.

Communications

This study found that security, reliability, and coverage are the top considerations for utilities when selecting a wireless network. These factors are essential for ensuring consistent data transmission, safeguarding sensitive customer and operational data, and maintaining system uptime – particularly in geographically diverse or hard-to-reach service areas.

The type of communications network required depends heavily on whether a utility is implementing Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI):

• AMR systems typically support one-way communication, often collected via drive-by or walk-by methods using handheld or mobile receivers. These systems require minimal network infrastructure but limit the frequency and scope of data collection.
• AMI systems, by contrast, enable two-way communication via fixed, wireless networks that support near real-time data transfer. AMI enables advanced functionality such as remote shutoff, hourly usage alerts, leak detection, and integration with broader utility and municipal systems.

As utilities move from AMR to AMI, they are increasingly viewing communications networks not just as a channel for meter reads, but as a strategic asset. There is growing interest in using AMI networks to support broader smart city and digital infrastructure goals, such as real-time monitoring of pressure zones, flow sensors, tank levels, environmental sensors, and even assets beyond water – like street lighting and waste management.

Defining Smart Metering

Smart water metering refers to the use of digital technology to measure, record, and communicate water usage data more efficiently and accurately than traditional manual metering systems. It includes both Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technologies, which offer different levels of functionality and connectivity.