By MidCity Utilities

Did you know that 70% of our planet is covered in water, yet only 3% of it is fresh water we use daily. With the rising challenges of water scarcity, global warming, severe droughts, and pollution, the quality of this limited fresh water is often compromised.

It’s no secret that living in South Africa means adjusting to high utility bills, making them a key focus when it comes to budgeting and planning.

Installing water meters in sectional title schemes is crucial for fostering a well-balanced and well-managed property. The benefits are extensive, contributing significantly to the success of the scheme for property owners, managers, and occupants alike.

MidCity Utilities has become increasingly important in sectional title schemes, as body corporates seek better ways to manage utilities, control costs, and promote sustainability. With water being a critical resource and utility expenses rising, having an integrated water management system is becoming essential for effective management.

Listed below are the different types of water meters

Smart water meter – In sectional title schemes, smart water meters capture real-time meter readings and data, eliminating the need for manual on-site, in-person meter readings, especially in areas where access is problematic. Smart metering technology has been in use for many years across various countries and has proven to be effective and reliable in managing water consumption.

Conventional water meter – Conventional meters only record overall usage and do not allow for monitoring. They require a meter reader to take a reading each month.

Prepaid water meter – Prepaid water meters work similarly to prepaid electricity meters, where a token is entered using a keypad. The consumer purchases a voucher from vending outlets and then loads the tokens onto their smart meter.

By following the link below, you can learn how to read your water meter:

https://midcityutilities.co.za/managing-your-water-effectively/

Now let’s look at a few important advantages of individual water meters in sectional title schemes

1. Accurate and Fair Billing

With individual water meters for each unit, residents can be billed based on their actual water usage, ensuring a fair allocation of costs. This prevents disputes where one resident uses more water than others but pays the same rate.

2. Transparency

Water meters provide transparency, ensuring that all parties, including property managers, owners, and tenants, have a clear understanding of each unit’s water usage. This reduces the likelihood of disputes over water charges and fosters trust among stakeholders.

3. Better Management of Resources

Property managers and utility service providers can track water usage patterns across the property, identifying trends or anomalies that may signal leaks or inefficiencies. This proactive approach can save money in the long run and help prevent potential damage.

4. Improved Maintenance

Water meters can help detect leaks or system failures more quickly, enabling prompt maintenance or repairs. This minimises wastage and helps prevent larger, costlier issues.

5. Enhanced Community Relations

Water meters help prevent conflicts over shared costs. By introducing direct accountability for water consumption, disputes over the fairness of cost-sharing arrangements are reduced, fostering a more positive and cooperative environment.