Water Submetering in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, water submetering allows for individual water usage tracking and billing in multi-unit buildings. Dune offers the most advanced and easy-to-deploy water submetering solution on the market.

Water Submetering Regulations in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, water submetering regulations are flexible for property owners not profiting from utilities. Rental agreements must include clear disclosures about utility responsibilities and billing practices to ensure transparency and fairness. 

Some key information and required disclosures:

• The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) does not regulate the billing systems used by property managers, mobile home parks, or condominiums as long as the total billed to tenants does not exceed the actual utility costs of the complex.
• The New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules applies to all utilities as defined in Puc 602.16, setting extensive guidelines for water service utilities.
• The rules specify that all water sold by utilities must be metered unless a waiver for unmetered service is granted. This includes installation requirements, maintenance, and testing of meters to ensure accurate billing and compliance.
• All water sold by utilities must be metered, and meters are required to be tested for accuracy. This ensures that property owners and tenants are billed correctly for the actual water usage, avoiding disputes over water charges.
• Property owners and tenants have rights concerning the testing of their meters with the Utilities. If inaccuracies are detected in water usage reporting, they are entitled to adjustments in their billing. This provision ensures transparency and fairness in the billing process.
• Consumer Rights in Service Adjustments: If service adjustments or discontinuations are necessary due to non-compliance with utility regulations, property owners and tenants must be informed and involved in the remediation process.

Additional information on Water Sub-metering in New Hampshire**:

**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 New Hampshire?

Water submetering is gaining popularity in New Hampshire due to its various benefits for property owners and tenants. One key advantage is cost recovery for property owners. With the high cost of water, submetering promotes efficient water usage among tenants, resulting in lower consumption and lower water bills.  By reducing expenses, property owners increase net operating income (NOI) resulting in improved property values.  The solution is fair for tenants since they pay only for what they consume. This fosters fairness and helps in lowering overall water costs by minimizing waste and encouraging conservation.

Modern water submetering systems incorporate advanced technology that allows for automated and remote meter readings. This removes the need for manual readings, saving time and reducing errors. The precision of these systems is crucial for accurate billing and monitoring of water usage.

A critical feature of these systems is their ability to detect leaks swiftly. In New Hampshire, where water conservation is vital, early leak detection is very valuable. These systems can pinpoint leaks in specific appliances, allowing for quick repairs and preventing water waste and damage.

The rise of water submetering in New Hampshire is driven by its ability to reduce expenses and increase NOI for property owners while encouraging efficient water use, providing fair and accurate billing, enabling early leak detection, which supports the state’s water conservation goals.

In New Hampshire during the colder months, pipes can freeze, causing significant damage to both pipes and water sub-meters. Property owners should opt for submetering solutions that can withstand freezing temperatures. Some systems come with temperature sensors that alert owners to potential freezing risks, helping to prevent damage. This feature is particularly beneficial in New Hampshire, where winter temperatures can drop considerably.

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.

• Enhanced Expense Recovery: By accurately recovering water costs, operating expenses can be significantly reduced—this is especially crucial as water rates and fees increase.
• Boost in Property Value: Lower operating expenses can increase Net Operating Income (NOI), leading to higher property valuations.
• Remote Meter Reading: This feature allows for remote monitoring and automated reading of meters, streamlining operations and enabling quicker detection of issues.
• Leak Detection: Quickly detecting and resolving leaks prevent extensive water wastage and financial losses.
• Efficient Water Use: Access to detailed water usage data helps residents reduce waste and optimize their water consumption.
• Accurate Billing: This system ensures tenants are billed fairly based on water usage, promoting transparency and accountability and fostering better relationships.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The insights gained from the system support informed decisions about water policy and infrastructure improvements.
• Conservation Incentives: State mandates and local incentives often encourage the adoption of water submetering solutions.
• Environmental Benefits: Regular droughts and a growing population continuously strain our water resources, making conservation a critical concern for everyone.

Key Steps to Prepare for Water Submetering in New Hampshire

Proper preparation is essential for water submetering in New Hampshire- 

• Compliance: Start by checking local regulations and lease agreements to make sure submetering is allowed and to understand any local advantages or restrictions.

• Choosing a Provider: It’s important to pick a reputable submetering company. Consider factors like their ability to handle monthly meter readings, maintenance, and billing over the long term.

• Installation: The setup involves installing the submeters, integrating usage data into the system, and preparing it for billing.

• Informing Tenants: Give tenants plenty of notice about the new system and any changes to their billing. Clear communication helps ensure they understand and cooperate.

• Billing System: Whether you’re installing a new or existing system, it needs to bill tenants accurately based on their monthly water use. This ensures fairness and transparency in billing practices.

FAQs

What is water submetering? 

Water submetering involves installing individual meters in multi-unit buildings to accurately track each unit’s water usage, enabling precise billing based on actual consumption.

How does water submetering benefit residents and property owners? 

Residents benefit by paying only for their actual water usage, which can lead to reduced consumption and lower bills. Property owners gain from streamlined billing and improved water management.

Is water submetering mandatory in New Hampshire?

 No, there is no state-wide mandate for water submetering in New Hampshire, but property owners are encouraged to adopt it to ensure fair billing and efficient water use.

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

Begin by verifying any local regulations, select a reputable submetering provider, and ensure professional installation to integrate the system smoothly.

How are water usage charges calculated with submetering? 

Charges are directly based on the water volume each unit uses, as recorded by the submeters, which ensures fairness and accuracy in billing.

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

Any operational or maintenance concerns should be directed to the submetering service provider responsible for the system’s installation and upkeep.