The City of San Antonio has completed a systemwide replacement of its water meters, marking what officials describe as the largest meter replacement project in the United States.
The initiative began in 2021 and finished approximately one year ahead of its projected schedule. Since 2019, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has replaced 604,354 older mechanical meters with electronic meters that automatically record and transmit water usage data on an hourly basis.
SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente said the new system allows both customers and the utility to better understand water use patterns. According to Puente, the technology provides detailed information about how much water is used, when it is used, and how usage varies over time, enabling improved service and system management.
The meter replacement program has been under development since 2018, with a total value of around $200 million
The meter replacement program has been under development since 2018, with a total value of around $200 million. SAWS officials said the final cost came in below the initial estimate of $230 million, despite delays and other challenges during installation. Cecilia Velasquez, SAWS’ vice president of customer experience and strategic initiatives, said completing the project ahead of schedule was a significant milestone.
The replaced meters were “positive displacement” devices that rely on mechanical components, which can wear down over time and reduce accuracy. In contrast, the electronic meters contain no moving parts, making them more reliable and more accurate, particularly when measuring low water flows, according to SAWS. The utility estimates that the new meters have an average lifespan of about 20 years.
The electronic meters eliminate the need for monthly manual readings by transmitting usage data automatically. Customers can monitor their water consumption through their SAWS accounts at any time. The system can also detect continuous water flow, which may indicate leaks.
SAWS officials say the upgraded meters are expected to improve the accuracy of water usage data and enhance both customer awareness and utility operations.
