No. Smart meters do not increase water usage or utility rates. They simply measure water use more accurately, which means your bill reflects your actual consumption.
In many communities, water costs were previously divided evenly among households or allocated through a RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System). With submetering, billing is based on real usage, so some households may see changes—higher or lower—depending on how their consumption compares to the community average.
When bills are higher than expected, it’s typically due to factors like increased usage, seasonal rate changes from the utility provider, or potential leaks. Smart metering can help identify these issues earlier, helping residents avoid unnecessary costs over time.
If there are questions about a bill, residents can contact MeterNet support for assistance reviewing their statement. Or, for more information view our “How to Read a Submeter Water Bill” article.