As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways of driving down costs or simply just controlling them. This simple piece of technology can save your business thousands in the long run and also allows you to make educated decisions on behalf of your business expenses.
With a water measuring device, you’re not just paying for utilities; it’s a tool that offers real-time insights and control. This device helps you monitor your water usage, detect leaks early, and analyse consumption patterns to optimise usage effectively.
Imagine the savings you could achieve by pinpointing inefficiencies and preventing costly overuse. Want to know the specifics? Let’s explore how this technology works and why it’s essential for any forward-thinking business.
What is a water meter reader?
A water meter reader is basically a device that tracks the amount of water your business uses. It’s similar to electricity and gas meters, featuring a display that indicates your water usage. This display is important as it forms the basis for your water billing, ensuring you’re charged accurately for the actual amount of water you consume.
By keeping an eye on your water meter reader, you can monitor your usage patterns. This awareness allows you to identify potential areas where you can cut back on water use.
Retailers like Castle Water simplify this process by enabling easy submission of your meter readings.
Where is my water meter located?
If you’re running a small to medium-sized business, you’ll likely find the meter inside your premises. It’s usually situated close to where the water mains enter your building, which could be in a utility room or basement. This makes it accessible for regular checks and maintenance.
For those of you with larger businesses, the scenario might be a bit different. Your water meter may be housed externally, perhaps in a dedicated meter chamber or even within a separate meter house or plant room. These are generally larger setups designed to accommodate greater water usage volumes.
To identify these chambers or boxes, look for a cover marked with a “W” or the word ‘water.’ These covers are typically circular or square and are designed to be easily removed to allow access to the meter.
Paying Only for What You Use with an Automatic Meter Reading
You should always only pay for what you use, and automatic meter reading (AMR) can be a game-changer for this.
With AMR, your water supplier can remotely access your meter readings, meaning you don’t have to worry about manual read inaccuracies or the hassle of locating your meter. This precision leads to more accurate billing, so you’ll only pay for what you truly consume.
Having real-time data at your fingertips, showing your daily, even hourly, water usage can all prompt more conscious consumption behaviours regarding water use.
Saving Money Through Early Leak Detection
You can save considerable money by detecting leaks early, and it starts with understanding how to read your water meter.
If you notice unusual increases in your meter readings when no extra water is being used, it’s likely you’ve got a leak. Getting these fixed promptly prevents wasteful water use and reduces your bills dramatically.
How to read a water meter for leaks
By keeping an eye on consumption, you’re spotting potential issues before they balloon into costly problems.
Here’s how you can read your water meter to detect leaks:
- Make sure no water is being used in your business. Turn off all taps, machines, and appliances that use water. Locate your water meter, which is typically found where the water supply enters the building. Note the position of the meter’s needle or the numbers displayed on the digital panel.
- Leave it for at least an hour, then check the meter again. If the needle has moved or the numbers have changed, and you’re sure all water usage was off, you likely have a leak somewhere.
- To confirm, you can perform this test overnight when water use is minimal. Significant changes in the readings could indicate a serious issue.
Remember, a small drip can waste gallons of water quickly, so it’s essential to fix leaks as soon as they’re detected.
Improving Budget Forecasting and Cost Management
As we’ve talked about, when you install a business water meter, you can start monitoring usage by using data. With this data, you can predict monthly water expenses much easier than before and can therefor allocate funds more effectively.
You’ll notice trends and patterns in your water consumption. Perhaps certain processes use more water than necessary, or maybe leaks are going unnoticed. When you know exactly what to expect regarding water expenses, you can set aside a more accurate budget.
Start Savings Business Water Costs Today
Every business should aim to conserve water, and starting today is the best way to do so.
But where do you start? It’s simple: if you don’t already have one, invest in a smart water-measuring device. The chances are if your water is supplied by a well-renowned retailer, then you should have one already, and it’s their job to make you aware of this.
Once you have this data, it’s down to you and your retailer to monitor, and stay on top of it. Don’t wait for your next high water bill to remind you of the potential savings.