Water Submetering in New York

In New York, water sub-metering is permitted for billing purposes, and Dune Labs offers an innovative and straightforward installation solution.

Water Submetering Regulations in New York

In New York, billing rental residents for utilities is allowed but comes with specific restrictions to ensure fairness and transparency. Landlords and property managers must follow certain procedures and regulations set by the state and the city. 

Here are some key points:

  • Landlords and property managers must get approval from the Public Service Commission before installing a submetering system. The application should detail the system, tenant rights protections, and lease language about submetering.
  • New York City has additional regulations for water conservation, complementing state rules.
  • State provisions cover master metered buildings converting to submetering, rent-stabilized or rent-controlled buildings, new constructions, and market-rate buildings.
  • These regulations ensure fair and transparent utility billing, protect tenant rights, and promote efficient utility usage.

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

  1. New York City Department of Environmental Protection – Water Conservation

**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 York?

Water submetering is becoming increasingly prevalent in New York due to its various benefits for property owners and tenants. A key advantage is cost recovery for property owners, which directly increases net operating income and property values. By paying for what they actually use, tenants are accountable and more responsible with their water use.. Water submetering fosters fairness and helps reduce overall water use and costs by minimizing waste and encouraging conservation.

Modern submetering systems incorporate smart technology and IoT connectivety for automated and remote meter readings, eliminating the need for manual readings.  This saves time, lowers costs and reduces errors. Precision is crucial for accurate billing and water usage monitoring.

Another significant benefit is rapid leak detection. In New York, where water conservation is essential, early detection of leaks is invaluable. These systems can identify leaks in specific appliances, facilitating prompt repairs that reduce water waste and prevent more costly damage from issues left unchecked.

Much of the state including New York City experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Freezing pipes in the colder regions can cause significant damage.  Since the water passes through them, inlinesub-meters are also susceptible to damage from freezing pipes. Some water submetering systems feature clamp on mechanisms that use ultrasonic measurement technology and do not interact with the water at all.  These often come with temperature sensors that can alert property officials when freezing is a concern, helping prevent costly damage.  With no moving parts to wear or freeze these solutions are highly reliable making them especially beneficial in New York where weather can vary significantly through the seasons.

Furthermore, clamp on ultrasonic meters typically do not require any plumbing or pipe cutting to install, making them simple to deploy and maintain.

In conclusion, the growth of water submetering in New York is driven by its ability to encourage responsible water use, ensure accurate billing, enable efficient leak detection, and address the state’s diverse climate challenges.

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 York

Proper preparation is essential for water submetering in New York- 

  • 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 the installation of measurement devices that record the actual water usage in individual units within a building. This system allows property managers to bill tenants based on their specific consumption, promoting fairness and encouraging conservation.

How does water submetering benefit residents and property owners?

For residents, submetering ensures they are only billed for the water they actually use, which can lead to more careful and reduced water consumption. For property owners, it facilitates equitable billing and can reduce the overall water consumption of the building, leading to lower utility costs and potentially higher property values.

Is water submetering mandatory in New York?

In New York, submetering is not mandatory statewide. However, specific regulations must be followed if property owners choose to implement submetering, including obtaining approval from the New York Public Service Commission. The city of New York has additional guidelines focusing on water conservation and pollution control.

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

To start with water submetering in New York, property owners should first ensure compliance with both state and city regulations. The next steps include selecting a reliable submetering provider, installing the necessary equipment, and setting up a system for billing based on actual usage.

How are water usage charges calculated with submetering?

Water usage charges in New York are calculated based on the amount of water recorded by the submeters in each unit. The property manager collects the data from these meters to determine how much each tenant should be billed, based on their individual water usage.

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

For maintenance or any issues related to water submetering in New York, tenants should contact their property management or the submetering service provider. It’s important to address issues promptly to ensure accurate billing and to prevent any potential water waste.