Water Submetering in Hawaii

Hawaii allows water sub-metering and usage-based billing, and Dune provides the most innovative and user-friendly solution on the market.

Water Submetering Regulations in Hawaii

When submetering water, ensure compliance with state and local regulations. (Below are some helpful links).

Key regulations for property owners in Hawaii include:

Mixed projects that include both residential and nonresidential spaces must have separate meters or use calculations to differentiate utility consumption (e.g., electricity, water, gas, fuel, oil, sewerage, air conditioning, chiller water, drainage).
The cost of utilities for nonresidential units is borne by their owners, with charges apportioned fairly as specified in the project’s declaration or bylaws.
The association may authorize separate meters for residential and commercial units, with installation costs covered by the association.
Individual unit meters can be installed regardless of approval requirements or spending limits, with costs paid by the association.
Owners pay for metered utilities based on actual consumption, and any charges not directly billed by utility providers are collected as common expense assessments.
Maintenance fees are adjusted to prevent duplicate charges for metered utilities.

Additional information on Water Sub-metering in Hawaii**:

**This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, and there may be other state and local regulations to consider.

Learn more about Dune Water Submetering Solution

Why Water Submetering is Growing in Hawaii?

Water submetering is becoming more popular in Hawaii due to its significant benefits for property owners and tenants. Major advantages include cost recovery and conservation. For owners, water submetering helps reduce expenses leading to increased net operating income (NOI) and higher property values. Since water can be expensive, submetering ensures tenants pay only for their water, promoting accountability and careful water use. This fair system encourages efficiency and conservation, especially in a state with limited water resources.

Smart water submetering solutions have transformed utility management. These modern systems enable automated and remote meter readings, saving property owners time and money while improving billing accuracy. Additionally, smart systems feature advanced leak detection, allowing for timely repairs that reduces the risk of more costly water damage if left unaddressed. Some systems can even identify leaks from specific appliances, making issues easier to find, diagnose and fix.

There are many condominium complexes across Hawaii, driven by tourism and the need for affordable housing. Condominiums are often only master-metered for water, where the Home Owner Association (HOA) fees pay the aggregate water bills. With the rising cost of water, HOA fees are ballooning causing frustration among the various ownership personas and groups. Water use can vary significantly between different users that include short term fractional renters, long term renters and owner-residents. Submetering enables the cost of residential water to be separated from the other HOA fees, where individual residents/owners only pay for what they actually use. As a monitored and controlled expense, this fosters fairness, accountability and responsible usage that results in lower overall expenses, more control and ultimately, conservation.

In Hawaii, the primary environmental challenge is water scarcity due to high temperatures and limited freshwater sources and storage. With expanding population and tourism, the strain on this precious and finite resource is an escalating concern. Encouraging responsible water consumption through submetering helps reduce the strain on Hawaii’s limited water resources.

Benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution

Explore the multifaceted benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution, from financial savings and operational efficiencies to environmental conservation.

Financial Savings: Accurately recovering water costs can significantly reduce operating expenses, which is especially important as water rates and fees continue to rise.
Increased Property Value: Lower operating expenses lead to increased Net Operating Income (NOI), thereby enhancing property valuations.
Remote Monitoring: Remote meter reading and monitoring streamline operations and allow for quicker detection of issues.
Leak Prevention: Rapid identification and resolution of leaks prevent extensive water wastage and financial losses.
Optimized Water Usage: Detailed water usage data empowers residents to reduce waste and optimize their water consumption.
Transparent Billing: Ensuring tenants are billed based on actual water usage promotes transparency and accountability, fostering better tenant relationships.
Informed Decision-Making: Insights from the system support informed decisions about water policy and infrastructure improvements.
Incentives for Conservation: State mandates and local incentives often encourage the adoption of water submetering solutions.
Environmental Impact: With regular droughts and a growing population straining water resources, conservation becomes a critical concern for everyone.

Key Steps to Prepare for Water Submetering in Hawaii

Proper preparation is essential for water submetering in Hawaii-

Regulatory Compliance: Begin by checking local regulations and lease agreements to ensure submetering is allowed and to understand any local advantages or restrictions.
Selecting a Provider: Choose a reputable submetering company, considering their ability to handle monthly meter readings, maintenance, and billing over the long term.
Installation Process: Install the submeters, integrate usage data into the system, and prepare it for accurate billing.
Tenant Notification: Provide tenants with ample notice about the new system and any changes to their billing. Clear communication helps ensure their understanding and cooperation.
Accurate Billing System: Ensure the billing system, whether new or existing, accurately charges tenants based on their monthly water usage. This promotes fairness and transparency in billing practices.

FAQs

What is water submetering?

Water submetering is the practice of installing individual meters in each apartment or unit within a larger complex to monitor water usage. This system enables precise billing based on actual consumption instead of estimated shared usage.

How does water submetering benefit residents and property owners?

Water submetering offers several advantages, including fairer billing based on actual water usage, which encourages conservation among residents. It can also lead to lower overall water costs and help property owners manage water expenses more effectively.

Is water submetering mandatory in Hawaii?

No, water submetering is not mandatory in Hawaii. However, it is encouraged for improving water conservation and management, providing tenants with more accurate billing based on actual usage.

What are the initial steps to install water submeters in a property?

To begin with water submetering, property owners should first choose a reputable provider. Next, they need to plan the installation, which includes setting up individual meters for each unit. Professional installation ensures accurate and efficient monitoring of water usage.

How are water usage charges calculated with submetering?

With submetering, water usage is measured directly from the meter assigned to each unit or apartment. The collected data is then used to generate accurate billing statements, reflecting the actual water consumption of each resident.

Who should I contact for maintenance or issues with my water submeter?

For any issues with water submeters, residents or property owners should reach out to the submetering service provider or the property management’s maintenance department. They handle repairs, maintenance, and any billing or meter accuracy inquiries.