L e a k S e n s e

Smart Water Submetering

Smart Water Submetering System for Multifamily Housing

LeakSense provides comprehensive IoT water submetering solutions that enable property managers to track water usage per apartment unit, eliminate subsidy issues, and promote conservation through fair billing. Our smart submetering technology typically reduces overall property water consumption by 15-30% within the first year.

Smart water submetering system

Benefits of Submetering in Multifamily Housing

When residents pay only a flat rate or have water costs included in rent, they have no incentive to conserve. Studies consistently show that submetering changes behavior-once residents see their actual usage and pay accordingly, consumption drops significantly. Properties without submetering subsidize wasteful tenants at the expense of conservative ones.

LeakSense water metering solutions install quickly without disruptive construction, making them ideal for both new construction and retrofit applications. Our LoRa and Wi-Fi enabled sensors communicate usage data in real-time to cloud-based analytics platforms accessible from any device.

Per-Unit Water Tracking

Accurate measurement of water consumption for each apartment, common areas, and irrigation systems with tamper-resistant sensors.

Automated Billing Integration

Seamless integration with property management software for automated tenant billing based on actual usage data.

water usage
Automated Billing

IoT Submetering Technology

Traditional submetering required expensive wiring throughout buildings to transmit meter readings to a central location. LeakSense uses advanced protocols including LoRa (long-range, low-power) and Wi-Fi to eliminate infrastructure costs while providing more reliable data transmission.

Each meter operates on battery power with a 4-year lifespan, reducing maintenance requirements. Data transmits automatically every hour, providing property managers with up-to-the-minute visibility into water usage patterns across their entire portfolio. The system detects anomalies like running toilets or dripping faucets before they become expensive problems.

Key Features & Capabilities

California Title 24 Compliant

All LeakSense submetering systems meet California Title 24 water metering requirements and CPUC submetering standards for new and retrofit installations.

Real-Time Analytics Dashboard

Cloud-based platform with customizable reporting, usage comparisons, trend analysis, and exportable data for utility billing systems.

Tenant Portal Access

Optional resident-facing portal allows tenants to view their own usage, compare to averages, and receive conservation tips.

Scalable Architecture

From 5-unit buildings to 500+ unit complexes, LeakSense systems scale seamlessly with consistent per-unit pricing and centralized management.

Reducing Water Bills with Submetering

The financial benefits of smart water submetering extend beyond simple cost recovery. Property managers report significant improvements in NOI (Net Operating Income) through multiple mechanisms:

  • 15-30% reduction in total water consumption as residents become aware of their usage
  • Elimination of subsidy inequities where conservative users no longer subsidize wasteful ones
  • Early leak detection prevents expensive repairs and water waste from hidden issues
  • Accurate cost allocation for master-metered properties seeking RUBS certification
  • Competitive advantage in marketing to environmentally conscious renters
  • 12-24 month payback period typical for most multifamily installations

Installation Process

LeakSense submetering installation is minimally disruptive and can be completed unit-by-unit without building-wide shutdowns. Our certified technicians typically install 10-15 units per day, with each unit installation taking 45-60 minutes. The process includes meter placement, valve integration, network configuration, and system testing.

For occupied buildings, we coordinate schedules with property management to minimize resident inconvenience. Our installation teams are licensed, insured, and background-checked, with evening and weekend availability for urgent projects.