Water Submetering in Oregon

Oregon permits water sub-metering and billing for usage, and Dune offers the market’s most innovative and easy-to-deploy solution.

Water Submetering Regulations in Oregon

When submetering water, always refer to state and local regulations (some useful links are listed below).

Key regulations for property owners in Oregon include:

Submetering and ratio utility billing systems (RUBS) are permitted.
Landlords can charge tenants for utilities no more than the utility providers charge the property.
All fees and methods used for calculating bills must be disclosed to residents.
Landlords can use submeter billing if it’s allowed by a written rental agreement. Tenants are charged based on actual usage.
Costs for sewer, stormwater, public service, common areas, base or service charges, and meter readings can be distributed on a pro-rata basis.
Landlords cannot profit from utility charges.
Converting billing methods requires at least one month’s notice, including a detailed explanation and a meeting with tenants.
A three-billing-period trial is required for new submeter billing.
Rent must be reduced to reflect the shift from rent-included billing to submeter or pro-rata billing.
Landlords can recover submeter installation costs through rent adjustments or special assessments.
Submetering systems must be maintained in good working condition.
Malfunctions or inaccurate readings must be resolved promptly, including tenant bill adjustments.
Maintain billing records for at least two years and make them available for inspection by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) upon request.

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

**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 Oregon?

Water is an expensive resource, and submetering helps property owners recover costs efficiently. Submetering ensures fairness by driving responsible and efficient water use among tenants, as tenants pay only for what they use.

Smart water submetering systems enable automated and remote meter reads, significantly saving time and money. They also enhance accuracy and repeatability, ensuring that water usage data is precise and reliable. This technological advancement supports better water management practices, which is crucial in a state like Oregon, where water resources can be variable.

Oregon has seen a rise in condominium complexes driven by the need for affordable housing. These condos are typically master-metered for water, with HOA fees covering the total water bills. As water costs increase, so do the HOA fees, causing frustration among residents. Submetering can separate water costs from other HOA fees, ensuring that each resident pays only for their own consumption, promoting fairness and responsible usage.

One of the standout features of smart submetering solutions is advanced leak detection. These systems can detect leaks promptly, enabling timely repairs that save money and reduce water waste. Remarkably, some systems can isolate leaks to specific appliances, making locating and fixing issues quickly easier. This feature is particularly beneficial in Oregon, where water conservation is a priority.

Benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution

Let’s look at the diverse advantages of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution:

Enhanced Cost Recovery: Accurate tracking of water costs can significantly cut operating expenses, especially with rising water rates and fees.
Increased Property Value: Lower operating costs improve Net Operating Income (NOI), leading to higher property valuations.
Remote Monitoring and Meter Reading: Remote monitoring and automated meter reading simplify operations and allow faster issue detection.
Leak Detection and Prevention: Quickly identifying and fixing leaks prevents significant water waste and financial losses.
Optimized Water Usage: Detailed data on water usage helps residents minimize waste and optimize their consumption.
Accurate and Fair Billing: Ensures tenants are billed accurately based on actual usage, promoting transparency and accountability and fostering better relationships.
Informed Decision-Making: System insights support data-driven decisions about water policies and infrastructure improvements.
Incentives for Conservation: State mandates and local incentives often encourage adopting water submetering solutions.
Environmental Conservation: Conservation is crucial with frequent droughts and a growing population putting pressure on water resources.

Key Steps to Prepare for Water Submetering in Oregon

Proper preparation is crucial for implementing water submetering in Oregon-

Compliance: Begin by reviewing local regulations and lease agreements to ensure submetering is permitted and understand any local benefits or restrictions.
Selecting a Provider: Choose a reputable submetering company that reliably manages monthly meter readings, maintenance, and long-term billing.
Installation: Install the submeters, integrate the usage data into the system, and set up for accurate billing.
Tenant Notification: Inform tenants well in advance about the new system and any changes to their billing. Clear communication is key to ensuring their understanding and cooperation.
Billing System: Ensure your billing system, whether new or existing, accurately charges tenants based on their monthly water usage, promoting fairness and transparency.

FAQs

What is water submetering?

Water submetering is installing separate meters for each residential or commercial unit in a property to measure each tenant’s individual water usage accurately.

How does water submetering benefit residents and property owners?

Water submetering ensures fair billing, as tenants pay exactly for what they consume, promoting water conservation. It also helps property owners recover utility costs accurately and manage resources more effectively, enhancing tenant satisfaction.

Is water submetering mandatory in Oregon?

In Oregon, water submetering is not universally mandatory but is required for certain new multifamily residential constructions and major renovations as per state laws. This ensures fair billing practices and encourages water conservation across properties.

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

To initiate water submetering, a property owner should evaluate various submetering systems and suppliers, select the most suitable technology, and then coordinate with a professional installation team to properly install the submeters within the property.

How are water usage charges calculated with submetering?

With submetering, each tenant’s water usage is recorded by their individual meter. The total consumption recorded is then multiplied by the water rate to calculate the precise charge for each tenant, reflecting their actual usage.

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

Tenants or property owners should contact the submetering service provider or the property management team responsible for utilities for maintenance or issues related to water submeters. They can provide technical support and address any concerns regarding the submetering system.