Water meters are mechanical devices that wear with usage and age. The WSC Metering Section has a proactive replacement program for water meters which are nearing the end of their useful life. It’s an ongoing program that ensures that the customer’s water meter readings (and your bills) remain as accurate as possible. Furthermore, smart water meters improve the efficiency of the meter reading process through the installation of new radio frequency meters. When the installation process is complete, the need for staff to enter homes/businesses and properties to obtain meter readings will be minimised. Additionally, WSC customers can expect greater access to their water usage data throughout a billing period, allowing customers to monitor high use, identify potential water leaks, as well as enhancing water conservation efforts.

 

Water meter replacement depends on the specifications of the individual meter, which are regulated by the Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU. So, it is normal that your meter may in fact be replaced but the meter belonging to your neighbour may not be. Likewise, your water meter may be replaced if it is due and is currently placed in an area with other meters (such as an apartment block utility box/room) for which a meter replacement request has been submitted by another tenant.

 

Proactive water meter replacement work is fully funded by WSC at no additional charge or cost to you. However, charges can apply where your meter is found damaged, not registering consumption, or is missing.

 

Meter replacement work is undertaken by trained technicians authorised by WSC. They can be identified by ID cards, vehicle signage and/or high-visibility uniforms.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the meter replacement process?

    The water supply to your property will be temporarily stopped to enable the technician to replace the meter, before re-establishing water supply to the property. The duration of the water interruption will be minimised as much as possible but is normally between 15 and 60 minutes long.

    The new meter will generally be placed in the same position as your old meter unless it is deemed suitable to be moved outside of the property boundary and/or installed in a specific utility box following communication with you (the customer).

    A small area around the meter may be disturbed during the replacement. Wherever possible, the technician will clean up any debris produced during the works.

    When finished, the technician will leave a job sheet in your letterbox or affixed to your water meter.

  • Do I need to do anything if my water meter is replaced?

    You don't need to be at home while the replacement works are happening, but you may be asked to turn water appliances off before your supply is stopped.

    The replacement may take longer if you have a large meter (such as in the case of hotels or factories), but the technician will work with you to manage a mutually convenient time for the work to be done.

  • How do I know the meter reading on my bill will be correct?

    When the water meter is replaced the technician records the final reading of the old meter on the job sheet. This is checked again against the actual meter to confirm the accuracy and a photo of the old meter is also taken and stored at our end. We recommend you keep your copy of the job sheet for reference, to cross-check against your next ARMS bill.

  • Will extra space be needed for my water meter to be replaced?

    The WSC recommends the following minimum spatial dimensions for a typical water meter installation in a household or a small office/shop:
    meter dimensions

    Additional space will be needed when your water meter is installed in a block of apartments with multiple other meters – thereby necessitating the installation of a dedicated large service pipe and manifold. Furthermore, should you wish to install a shut-off valve or water tap in the vicinity of the water meter, additional space needs to be allocated accordingly.

  • Why does it seem that my new meter is registering more consumption than my previous meter?

    Each water meter procured by WSC for billing purposes is individually tested and certified by the meter manufacturer as per the requirements set by Directive 2014/32/EU (previously 2004/22/EC), known as the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID), which was transposed into local legislation through L.N. 223 of 2011 METROLOGY ACT (CAP. 454) Measurements are subject to the Metrological Control Regulations, 2011, which, amongst other things, sets the accuracy parameters of water meters to be used for billing purposes. As explained above, water meters are mechanical devices that degrade in performance over time - so it may be that your old water meter was not registering the full actual water consumption of your property. Follow our tips to help reduce your water consumption by going here

  • What happens if I accidentally damage my water meter or any of its connected hardware?

    Firstly, the account holder is responsible for ensuring the services and meter (including any connected wires and hardware) provided by the Corporation are kept safe. If for any reason, any communication or part of the meter is damaged, please make sure to contact our Customer Care section immediately.In accordance with the Water Supply Regulations (S.L. 545.03) in such cases a fine starting from €1,500 shall be due whenever a meter or its equipment is found to have been damaged to the extent that water flow could not be reliably measured (such as due to a broken meter dial). Nevertheless, each case will be independently reviewed by a competent board following a site visit by an authorised technician to quantify the damage present.

  • What happens if my meter or its connected hardware is situated in a common area of the building and is damaged?

    As previously mentioned, it is extremely important that you take the utmost care and attention of all the hardware supplied by the WSC (inc. the water meter and any connected wires and hardware). Even if a water meter is installed in a common area, it is still the account holder’s responsibility to maintain the hardware installed by WSC for your water service. As per the regulations set down in S.L.545.03 – Water Supply Regulations, the WSC has the right to impose a fine starting from €1,500 whenever a meter or its equipment was found to have been damaged to the extent that water flow could not be reliably measured (such as due to a broken meter dial). Nevertheless, each case will be independently reviewed by a competent board following a site visit by an authorised technician to quantify the damage present.