Manatee’s water system gets a smart upgrade. Here’s how it could save you money

A free upgrade to Manatee County water meters aims to save residents money and cut back on wasted water.

Manatee County officials recently announced plans to install new smart water meters in neighborhoods throughout the county. The meters will collect real-time data on water usage, helping customers to save water and catch leaks early, according to a county news release.

Customers will not be charged for the meter upgrade.

Common water leaks can add as much as 10% to utility bills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency says the average household’s leaks can add up to over 10,000 gallons wasted each year.

Manatee County installing new water meters: timeline

The county will start to install the water meters on April 21 and expects to finish by late 2027. Nearly 150,000 customers will receive postcards in the mail notifying them about the work.

“This investment in smart technology benefits everyone in Manatee County,” County Commissioner George Kruse said. “By reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and saving time, WaterWise Manatee is a win for our residents and the environment.”

A contractor will take about 30 minutes to install the new water meter in the same location as your current one. Customers can expect their water service to be interrupted for about 10 minutes. They do not need to be present while workers install the water meter, the news release said.

How will new water meters work?

“WaterWise Manatee represents a significant step forward in modernizing our county’s water infrastructure,” said Patrick Shea, the county’s utilities director. “With the implementation of this program, we can improve operational efficiency, provide better customer service, and contribute to water conservation efforts.”

The new meter uses a radio network to transmit customer usage data, allowing electronic reading and eliminating the need for visual inspection, according to the county’s website. Towers will transmit data on a private network owned by Manatee County Utilities.

After workers replace the water meters, customers will be able to monitor their water use online and receive alerts about their water flow and identify potential problems.

For more information, visit MyManatee.org/WaterWiseManatee.