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4.3 Water Meters

Technical Description

During this century, housing in Polish cities and towns was generally provided within apartment buildings, or "blocks", which housed hundreds of inhabitants. Water was supplied to, and charged for within, these "blocks" based upon the numbers of inhabitants. This system did not require the installation of meters, and water-meters were never installed. Each consumer paid for an allocation of water regardless of their real consumption. More recently, however, the transition to a market economy has resulted in water-meters gaining in popularity. Meters enable individual consumers to calculate their costs according to their real rate of consumption, and allow consumers to make choices regarding their water use habits.

Extent of Use

Water-meters are popular in Poland and Latvia. In Ukraine, however, the lack of cheap water-meters is a decisive barrier to implementing a programme of metering. Level of Involvement Water meters are generally installed at the individual household or consumer level by water works companies.

Operation and Maintenance

The installation of water-meters may be undertaken by specialist plumbers or, in some cases, by individuals. Generally, if the water-metering system is to be tied to a water billing system, installation of water meters is undertaken by the water utility company in order to ensure standardization of meters and parts, fair measurement of water volume, and, potentially, remote access to water consumption data for billing purposes.

Costs

In Poland and Latvia, costs of metering are typically about $80 per meter. Of this amount, $40 is allocated to the cost of the water-meters, and $40 to the cost of installation.

Effectiveness of the Technology

Existing data show that installation water-meters has a significant impact on water savings within households. Installation of new equipment in apartment buildings can save approximately 30% of the volume of water previously consumed in households. During 1994, the installation of water-meters resulted in a 50% decline in consumption of water in some households in Poland.

Suitability

This method is suitable for use in all countries within the region.

Advantages

This method eases the load on water and sewage treatment plants, reduces energy consumption for water supply and treatment, and can lead to financial relief for consumers who now pay only for the water that they consume, reducing their costs of water

Disadvantages

The main problem with retro-fitting existing households and buildings is the poor state of the water pipes in the houses - they must often be replaced at the same time, greatly increasing the cost to the consumer.

supply and sewage treatment.

Cultural Acceptability

This method is culturally acceptable and is becoming very popular.

Further Development of the Technology

It is expected that, during the next few years, water-meters will be installed in each apartment. However, because not all consumers will benefit from the water savings, there is a need for advertising, promotion, and social education. Less expensive water meters are also needed in some parts of the region.

Information Sources

PoWoGaz s.a., ul. K. Janickiego 23/25, 60-542 Pozna , Poland, Tel. (48-61) 47-44-01, fax: (48-61) 411 501.

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