Article
Do it once, do it right: A smarter approach to water metering
The water industry cannot afford half-measures when it comes to smart metering. With growing regulatory pressures, rising costs, and the urgent need for sustainability, water companies must take a strategic, long-term approach—one that ensures efficiency, resilience, and cost-effectiveness from the outset. Doing it once and doing it right is no longer just a best practice; it is a necessity.
At Horizon Water Infrastructure, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take a bespoke, end-to-end approach, designing tailored smart metering programmes that work for you and your customers. Through Metering-as-a-Service (MaaS), we lead, design, deliver, and fund best-in-class smart meter programmes—ensuring that water companies get smart metering right the first time, and for the long term.
Why water companies cannot afford to get it wrong
Learnings from the energy sector and early adopters in the water show that smart metering programmes can deliver significant operational, financial, and customer benefits—but only when implemented correctly. Where rollouts have fallen short, it has often been due to fragmented deployment, underestimated complexities, and budgetary constraints leading to compromises on quality and longevity. Water companies now can get it right from the start, avoiding the pitfalls seen elsewhere.
The consequences of a poorly executed programme are significant:
- Inconsistent data collection leads to poor network insights, inaccurate billing, and frustrated customers.
- Cost overruns arise from unplanned expenses due to rework, upgrades, or scaling failures.
- Regulatory non-compliance can result in missed Ofwat targets and potential penalties.
- Customer backlash occurs when unclear communication, billing disputes, or ineffective engagement erode trust.
- Unmet battery life expectations have been a challenge in early deployments, with batteries failing far earlier than expected, leading to unexpected replacement costs and operational disruption.
Simply put, there is no room for “trial and error” when it comes to smart water metering at scale. The industry needs a comprehensive, future-proof approach—and that is where Horizon Water Infrastructure comes in.
Our MaaS programmes are designed for the long term, ensuring that metering investments stand the test of time. From seamless integration and customer engagement to ongoing operational efficiency, we ensure that water companies realise the full potential of smart metering—not just today, but for decades to come.
Our approach: Getting it right from the start
At Horizon Water Infrastructure, we do not just install meters through MaaS; we design, finance, and deliver bespoke, end-to-end solutions that drive long-term value. Our expertise ensures that every aspect of a smart metering programme—technology selection, financing, customer engagement, and operational integration—is executed flawlessly.
Here is how we help water companies get it right:
Holistic programme design
A smart metering initiative should be built around long-term efficiency, not short-term fixes. Horizon Water Infrastructure works with water companies to:
- Select the right technology – we are supplier-agnostic, ensuring compatibility, scalability, and regulatory compliance while selecting the right technical solutions bespoke to each water company
- Plan for full network integration – avoiding data silos and optimising water resource management
- Future-proof investments – adapting to evolving policies, customer needs, and sustainability goals
Smart, flexible funding solutions
Financial constraints are one of the biggest barriers to smart metering adoption. Our MaaS model eliminates these hurdles by:
- Providing off-balance-sheet financing – allowing water companies to invest without impacting capital budgets
- Reducing financial risk – shifting the burden of asset ownership and ensuring long-term operational efficiency
- Enabling phased deployments – aligning investment with proven impact and scaling effectively
Seamless execution & deployment
Many water companies struggle with the complexities of smart meter rollouts. Horizon Water Infrastructure simplifies this by:
- Managing end-to-end deployment – from planning and installation to real-time system monitoring
- Ensuring interoperability – working with multiple technology providers to prevent vendor lock-in
- Delivering ongoing support – ensuring reliable performance, predictive maintenance, and network resilience
Data-driven decision making & deeper customer engagement
The real power of smart metering lies in data analytics—but without the right infrastructure, valuable insights can go untapped. Horizon Water Infrastructure ensures water companies:
- Gain full visibility into consumption, leaks, and network performance
- Empower customers with real-time usage data, helping reduce demand
- Drive efficiencies by using AI and machine learning to detect issues before they escalate
Strengthen customer relationships through proactive engagement—offering personalised insights, automated alerts, and tailored conservation advice that builds trust and drives long-term behavioural change.
Setting the standard for best-in-class smart metering
The do it once, do it right mindset is not just about avoiding costly mistakes—it is about building a sustainable, efficient water management system that delivers long-term value. Smart metering is an essential tool, but only if implemented with strategic foresight, robust execution, and financial sustainability.
At Horizon Water Infrastructure, our expert team delivers best-in-class solutions, tailored to each water company and its customers. With deep industry expertise, we provide the funding, strategic insight, and delivery capability needed to ensure your smart metering programme is a success from day one—securing water as a vital resource for generations to come.