Water Submetering in Georgia
Water sub-metering and billing are permitted in Georgia, and Dune provides the most cutting-edge and straightforward solution.
Water Submetering Regulations in Georgia
When submetering water, it is essential to consult state and local regulations. Below are some useful links for reference.
Key regulations for property owners in Georgia include:
- Georgia allows submetering and Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBs) for all utilities-including water
- Owners of multifamily residential units can install meters to measure utility consumption in each unit and bill residents accordingly.
- Owners can charge reasonable fees for installing, maintaining, and billing metering systems, provided terms are disclosed to tenants before establishing a lease contract.
- Common area water use can also be billed back to tenants by property owners leveraging an allocation use formula.
- The 2010 Water Stewardship Act mandates submeters in all new multi-unit residential and certain commercial buildings with permits after 1 July, 2012.
- Thereafter, building tenants must be billed based on measured water usage.
Additional information on Water Sub-metering in Georgia**:
**This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, and there may be other state and local regulations to consider.
Why Water Submetering is Growing in Georgia?
Water is a valuable resource, and submetering helps property owners recover costs effectively and fairly. By optimizing cost recover, owners decrease expenses and increase net operating income (NOI) leading to higher property values. This fosters accountability with tenants and encourages a more sustainable approach to water consumption, benefiting both property owners and the environment.
Connected, smart submetering systems offer automated and remote meter readings, significantly saving time and money. They also enhance accuracy and consistency, ensuring precise and reliable water usage data. These technologies supports better water management practices, which is crucial in Georgia.
One of the key features of smart submetering solutions is advanced leak detection. These systems can quickly identify leaks, enabling prompt repairs that save money, reduce water waste and prevent larger issues that could lead to more costly damage. This feature is especially beneficial in Georgia, where water conservation is a priority due to the state’s water supply challenges.
Benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution
Learn about the diverse advantages of adopting a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution:
- Enhanced Expense Recovery: Precisely recovering water costs can significantly cut operating expenses, especially with rising water rates and fees.
- Increase in Property Value: Lower operating expenses can improve Net Operating Income (NOI), resulting in higher property valuations.
- Remote Meter Reading: Facilitates remote monitoring and automated meter reading, streamlining operations and enabling faster issue detection.
- Leak Detection: Quickly detecting and resolving leaks prevent extensive water waste and financial losses.
- Efficient Water Use: Detailed water usage data assists residents in minimizing waste and optimizing their water consumption.
- Accurate Billing: Ensures tenants are billed equitably based on their water usage, promoting transparency, accountability, and improved relationships.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Insights from the system enable informed decisions regarding water policy and infrastructure improvements.
- Conservation Incentives: State mandates and local incentives often encourage implementing water submetering solutions.
- Environmental Benefits: Frequent droughts and a growing population continuously strain water resources, making conservation a critical priority for all.
Key Steps to Prepare for Water Submetering in Georgia
Proper preparation is essential for successfully implementing water submetering in Georgia.
- Regulatory Compliance: Examine local regulations and lease agreements to confirm that submetering is permitted and to understand any local advantages or restrictions.
- Provider Selection: Choose a reputable submetering company based on its capacity to manage monthly meter readings, maintenance, and long-term billing.
- System Installation: This phase includes installing the submeters, integrating usage data into the system, and preparing it for billing.
- Tenant Notification: Give tenants sufficient notice about the new system and any changes to their billing. Clear communication is crucial for their understanding and cooperation.
- Accurate Billing System: Whether installing a new system or updating an existing one, it must bill tenants accurately based on their monthly water usage to ensure fairness and transparency.
FAQs
What is Water Submetering?
Water submetering is the process of installing individual water meters within each unit of a multi-unit facility, allowing for direct measurement of water usage.
How Does Water Submetering Benefit Residents and Property Owners?
Residents benefit from fair billing based on actual consumption, potentially lowering their costs if they use less water. For property owners, submetering simplifies utility management, ensures fair revenue distribution for water costs, and promotes conservation efforts across the property.
Is Water Submetering Mandatory in Georgia?
In Georgia, there are no state-wide laws mandating the use of water submetering for properties. However, property developers and owners in multifamily and commercial sectors often adopt submetering to improve utility management and fairness in billing.
What Are the Initial Steps to Install Water Submeters in a Property?
To install water submeters, property owners should first consult with a professional submetering service to assess the specific needs of their property. This is followed by selecting the appropriate submetering equipment and scheduling a professional installation to ensure accuracy and compliance with local standards.
How Are Water Usage Charges Calculated with Submetering?
Charges for water usage are calculated by the volume of water recorded by the submeter installed at each unit. The total water usage recorded by these meters is then multiplied by the cost per water unit to determine the bill for each tenant.
Who Should I Contact for Maintenance or Issues with My Water Submeter?
Maintenance or operational issues with water submeters should be directed to the submetering service provider or the property management’s maintenance department. They provide technical support and are responsible for resolving issues related to the submeter system.