The cost of a metering solution extends far beyond the price of the meter. Learn which costs to include when evaluating water meter investments using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI) and build a stronger business case for digital metering.
The next step in digital water metering
Traditionally, water consumption data has been collected through manual meter readings and resource-intensive processes. While Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) has automated parts of this workflow, many utilities are now evaluating the transition to fully digital metering through Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
Digital metering provides more frequent access to data, creating new opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce water loss, and strengthen revenue protection. To evaluate this transition objectively, it is essential to understand both the full cost picture and the long-term value of the investment through a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI) approach.
The lowest-priced solution is not always the lowest-cost solution
When evaluating a new water metering solution, costs extend far beyond the initial investment.
Factors such as meter lifetime, maintenance, software subscriptions, data collection processes, water loss, and billing accuracy can significantly impact long-term value.
This guide explains how to assess both the full cost picture and the value a solution delivers over time, helping you make more informed investment decisions.
What's inside the guide?
Evaluate the full lifetime cost
Learn how to account for hardware, installation, maintenance, software, communication infrastructure, and end-of-life disposal when assessing a metering investment.
Capture operational value
Understand how digital metering can reduce manual processes, improve customer service, and increase operational efficiency.
Reduce water loss and protect revenue
Explore how smarter meter data can support faster leak identification, improve billing accuracy, and help safeguard water revenue.
Build a stronger business case
Learn how to use TCO and ROI to communicate investment value to finance teams, boards, and other decision-makers.
Learn from utility experiences
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The transition to smarter water management continues to create new opportunities for utilities.
