Frequently Asked Questions
Our growing knowledge base.Why is water conservation so important?
Water is probably the most important substance for preserving life. In fact, scientists looking for evidence of life on other planets regard the presence of water as a vital clue. In developed nations we tend to take water for granted because it flows easily out of the tap. But we are rapidly depleting the global supply of fresh water and this reality could potentially have dire consequences.
One solution is water utility billing. We can bill back water expenses via RUBS or submetering utility billing. Numerous studies have been done and show conservation of up to 30 percent.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/119446-need-conserve-water/
Why is water conservation so important?
Water is probably the most important substance for preserving life. In fact, scientists looking for evidence of life on other planets regard the presence of water as a vital clue. In developed nations we tend to take water for granted because it flows easily out of the tap. But we are rapidly depleting the global supply of fresh water and this reality could potentially have dire consequences.
One solution is water utility billing. We can bill back water expenses via RUBS or submetering utility billing. Numerous studies have been done and show conservation of up to 30 percent.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/119446-need-conserve-water/
Why should I install water, electric or gas submeters?
Submetering a rental unit is the most accurate way to monitor usage and create conservation on the part of the tenant. It saves on average 25% of the properties usage of utilities. It also improves the NOI of the property.
My building is already built. Can I still install submeters?
Yes! Submeters can be retrofitted to any existing property. We suggest having a plumber inspect your property for possible installation of submeters.
What is the difference between a submeter and master meter?
A master meter is generally the main meter installed by the local utility company and is what the property receives its billing statement from. Submeters are installed on the individual unit to monitor and bill the tenants’ usage usually on a monthly basis.
How do submetering and allocation differ?
Metering solutions are available to Submeter individual units’ at most master-metered properties. However, in some cases, it is not legally or logistically possible to install Submeters. In these cases, it may be possible to allocate utility charges to each consumer based upon common factors. The process of allocating utility charges based on square footage, number of occupants, or other common factors is commonly referred to as RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System).
Are there any laws, regulations, or ordinances I need to be concerned with when installing submeters?
Our staff and legal team will work with the property in obtaining any information pertaining to the local regulations for submetering. It can vary by city, county and state.
Who do I contact for information or receiving a proposal?
You may email customer service at customerservice@urbanmeters.com or give us a call at 800.460.0451 to get in touch with a sales representative.
What is the importance of fresh water?
About 70 percent of Earth’s surface is covered in water. Of all the water on Earth 97 percent is in the oceans. That only leaves 3 percent as freshwater. Of that small amount of freshwater almost 2 percent is locked up in glaciers and ice at the North and South poles. The remaining 1 percent of freshwater is mostly groundwater, with a small fraction filling the world’s lakes and rivers.
What often causes high water bills?
High water bills are often caused by leaking toilets that waste large amounts of water.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/ways_to_save_water/toilet_brochure.pdf