Sources say there are plans to cover 80% of the domestic connections by 2027 to improve operational efficiency.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In a move to promote judicious use of water and an increased focus on demand side management, smart water meters will soon be introduced in nearly one lakh buildings across the city to track real-time consumption. Chennai Metrowater is set to finalise the tenders by this month-end.
During the initial phase, the water agency plans to install smart water meters in structures identified as water intensive users, including commercial, partly commercial, industries and multi-storied buildings in both core and merged areas.
Individual houses measuring above 2,500 sq. ft. would also be covered in the ₹392.59-crore project.
While the project was announced during the 2024-25 budget demand, it faced delays due to various reasons, including field study for detailed project report, the wait for meters with advanced technology and tender process, sources said.
The water agency caters to nearly 17 lakh consumers across the city.
Meters already installed
Smart water meters have already been fixed in nearly 22,000 buildings and water intensive users would be the initial focus to conserve water and ensure equitable distribution. Monthly bills would be generated for the exact quantity of water consumed using IoT metering technology, officials said.
‘Long-term viability?’
Residents, however, raised concerns about long-term viability of water metering system in areas without round-the-clock supply and issues like sewage mixing with drinking water. They noted that smart meters must be installed after improving both water and sewer infrastructure in core areas.
S. Gopi, secretary, Subramania Nagar Civic and Welfare Association, Kodambakkam, said areas like Azeez Nagar and Parankusapuram experienced frequent sewage issues because of old pipelines.
The project would be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), wherein the State government would contribute a share of project cost during implementation. The concessionaire would have to fix meters, undertake meter reading and maintain them for 15 years.
Aimed to be implemented from January next year, the initiative would adhere to water meter policy 2022, and is one of the disbursement linked indicators under the Chennai City Partnership programme.
The objective is to improve operational efficiency and reduce non-revenue water. There are plans to cover 80% of the domestic connections by 2027, sources added.
Published – December 18, 2025 05:13 am IST
