Leading UK communications infrastructure and media services company, Arqiva, is celebrating connecting two million smart water meters to its network.

Arqiva’s network is the backbone of the two largest smart water meter networks operating in the UK today, and is designed to support water providers in meeting Ofwat’s water leakage and per capita consumption reduction targets for the next Asset Management Plan (AMP) five-year period and beyond.

Arqiva works with the UK’s biggest water providers in deploying smart metering programmes that deliver reliable connectivity, strong read success rates and data completeness.

Against the backdrop of increased regulatory attention around meter connectivity levels, Arqiva underpins its approach by delivering robust installations, strong connectivity and reliable and accurate data.

The comprehensive range of connectivity solutions offered by Arqiva, allied with successfully installed smart water meters, is supplying water providers with the complete and actionable data that is needed to help them to influence consumer consumption patterns and identify leaks across the network.

The two million meters installed to date have achieved industry-leading network connectivity and read success rates.

Mike Smith, Executive Director of Smart Utilities Networks at Arqiva, said:

“Connecting two million smart water meters is a fantastic achievement from all concerned - our customers, engineering teams and the wider team at Arqiva.

“Our services provide an uninterrupted supply of the rich data required for a successful smart water meter programme, and it is the data that provides the true return on investment for a rollout. Data helps our customers monitor supply, address consumer needs, demonstrate success to stakeholders and ultimately gain a greater understanding of the use of this most valuable resource.

“It’s also great to see Ofwat’s recent agreement that connectivity, not simply installation, is the primary factor in measuring the success of a rollout. The guidance set out in Ofwat’s draft determination echoes our own dedication to helping the industry achieve its aims with successful large-scale smart meter programmes that deliver results upheld by robust connectivity and reliable, accurate data.”

A research study by Arqiva and Waterwise at the end of 2021 identified that fitting one million smart water meters in the UK each year for the next 15 years could save one billion litres of water a day by the mid-2030s, and reduce the UK’s current greenhouse gas emissions by up to 0.5%.

In addition, an independent research study carried out by showed that a coordinated rollout of smart metering would deliver £4.4bn in benefits to society against costs of £2.5bn. Representing a net benefit of £1.9bn. The 2021 analysis pointed to an environmental and social benefit of £1.73 for every £1 of cost incurred. Savings coming from improved leakage control and network management, and by avoiding the need for other water resources.