Yorkshire Water has marked a major milestone in its smart metering programme, with 100,000 water meters now successfully upgraded across the region.
The five-year programme, which began in Sheffield in January 2025, aims to replace 1.4 million existing meters with smart technology by 2030. The initiative is designed to give customers greater visibility of their water use, improve leak detection and support a more resilient water network.
Smart meters provide frequent consumption readings, allowing Yorkshire Water to identify potential leaks earlier and issue more accurate bills. The company says the technology is already helping customers better understand how and when they use water.
Smart metering supporting water efficiency
James Wilson, Manager of Smart Metering Delivery at Yorkshire Water, said the milestone reflects the pace of delivery achieved since the programme launched.
“Hitting the 100,000 mark is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the collective hard work across the programme,” he said. “From a standing start 18 months ago, we have worked collaboratively with our partners Netmore and M Group to mobilise an ambitious plan, and we are now installing more than 1,000 meters per day.
“Smart meters are already making a real difference – helping customers save money, helping us find and fix leaks faster, and helping us all to save water.”
The recent drought and hosepipe restrictions, which were lifted on 10 December, highlighted the importance of water efficiency and rapid leak detection. Smart meters send more than 20 readings per day, helping both customers and operators respond more quickly to unusual consumption patterns.
Positive results from the first year
Over the past 12 months, Yorkshire Water reports that smart metering has delivered measurable benefits across the network, including:
- More than 100,000 meter exchanges completed in South Yorkshire since January 2025
- 204,000 smart meters now installed across the wider Yorkshire region
- 7,000 customers contacted about potential leaks at their properties
- 4,500 leaks repaired following smart meter detection
- 5.94 million litres of water saved, reducing the risk of property damage
The roll-out in Sheffield and Rotherham is nearing completion, with work next planned in Barnsley, Pontefract and Wakefield.
Dominic Murphy, Director of Network Delivery at Netmore, Yorkshire Water’s connectivity partner, said the programme will deliver long-term benefits.
“This technology is a game-changer for resource management and will deliver lasting benefits for customers and the environment,” he said.
Leakage reduction and customer experience
Yorkshire Water has committed to halving leakage across its network by 2050, with smart metering forming a key part of that strategy. Hourly readings allow leaks to be identified before they escalate into bursts, helping reduce disruption and repair costs.
The company says most meter exchanges take around 20 minutes. Customers with outdoor meters do not need to be present, while those with indoor meters are contacted in advance to arrange a suitable appointment. Additional support is provided for customers with medical needs.
