Affinity Water has announced the launch of its first-ever Smart metering initiative, starting in February with a trial in parts of the Harlow and Bishops Stortford areas, Hertfordshire.

The groundbreaking project will begin with the installation of approximately 20,000 Smart meters in household properties and 20 in non-household properties as part of the initial trial phase, with larger-scale installations to follow.

Following a successful trial and approval from Ofwat, Affinity Water plans to expand the installation of Smart meters across other areas, aiming to fit an additional 380,000 Smart meters in the next five years.

Geordie Wilson, Head of Smart Metering at Affinity Water, said:

"The launch of our Smart metering programme marks an exciting step forward in how we manage and conserve water across our region. By providing customers with, near real-time data on their water usage, we’re empowering them to make informed decisions that save both water and money. At the same time, this technology allows us to detect and fix leaks faster, reducing water loss and minimising disruptions. Smart metering is a key part of our commitment to addressing water stress in the Southeast and ensuring a reliable supply for future generations."

Affinity Water’s AMP8 Smart metering initiative relies on strong partnerships with Arqiva, Clancy, and Bregan MainsFlow. Together, they combine expertise in connectivity, installation, and meter replacement to reduce leakage, improve network efficiency, and empower customers with smarter water management solutions.

Mike Smith, Executive Director, at Smart Utilities Networks, Arqiva,commented: 

“This project is a testament to our ability to create targeted solutions for Utility organisations in collaboration with trusted partners”

“Fundamentally, Smart Metering is about enabling reliable, actionable data. Our track record in delivering the most comprehensive metering rollouts in the UK highlights our ability to focus on success for the customer and ultimately providing a comprehensive platform for further advances.”

The water company said it is committed to helping customers track and reduce their consumption and detect leaks more efficiently as part of a broader effort to address water stress in the region and ensure a reliable water supply for the future. By fitting Smart meters, Affinity is aiming to accelerate water usage reductions and enhance leak detection, leading to faster repairs and fewer supply interruptions.

Smart meters offer several advantages, including:

• Leak detection: quickly identifying leaks to reduce water loss.
• Maintaining accurate billing: providing precise information on water used, ensuring customers only pay for what they use.
• Water conservation: helping customers understand and manage their water consumption to save money and protect the environment.

Affinity Water said the implementation of Smart meters is a strategic move to address critical challenges such as water scarcity, infrastructure efficiency , and environmental sustainability. By leveraging Smart metering technology, the utility can remotely monitor water usage and detect leaks, significantly reducing water loss and improving overall system efficiency. The initiative is a key component of Affinity’s Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP), aimed at achieving ambitious regulatory targets, including reducing per capita consumption and halving leakage by 2050.

Ronan Clancy, Executive Director at Clancy, said:

“As we move into AMP8 and the water industry invests in reinforcing assets to tackle challenges around water scarcity and leakages, our new relationship with Affinity Water will enable important steps forward in identifying and minimising leaks in the region. 

“Clancy’s experience in delivering cost and time-effective Smart Metering Programmes, in a way which limits disruption for customers, makes us well placed to support Affinity Water’s ambitions, boosting network resilience and efficiency.  We look forward to building our relationship with Affinity Water and working towards its leakage reduction target over the next five years.”

David Aylott, Director at Bregan MainsFlow Ltd, added:

"We are thrilled to have been awarded AMP8 on the Smart Metering Programme, a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team at Bregan MainsFlow. This achievement reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional client results.”