San Antonio, Texas, December 24, 2025
The City of San Antonio has completed the largest water meter replacement project in the United States, replacing 600,000 mechanical meters with electronic models ahead of schedule. This project enhances billing accuracy, aids in water conservation, and modernizes infrastructure to provide real-time data and prompt leak detection, supporting the city’s commitment to sustainable water management.
San Antonio Completes Largest Water Meter Replacement Project in the U.S.
San Antonio, Texas – The City of San Antonio has successfully completed the largest water meter replacement project in the United States, ahead of schedule. The initiative, which began in 2021, involved replacing all existing water meters with advanced electronic models, enhancing billing accuracy and water conservation efforts.
Project Overview
The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) embarked on this extensive project to modernize its infrastructure and improve service reliability. The new electronic meters provide real-time, hourly data on water usage, enabling both customers and the utility to monitor consumption more effectively and detect leaks promptly. This advancement aims to reduce water loss and ensure fair billing practices.
Implementation and Completion
SAWS initiated the ConnectH2O program in 2021, with a goal to replace approximately 600,000 mechanical meters across the city. The project was completed a year ahead of the projected schedule, with all installations finalized by December 2025. The total cost of the project was around $200 million, which is below the initial estimate of $230 million. This completion marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to sustainable water management.
Technological Advancements
The new electronic meters are designed to collect hourly readings from both residential and commercial properties, transmitting data wirelessly to SAWS. This technology allows for more accurate billing and quicker identification of issues such as leaks or unusually high water usage. Customers can access their water usage information online, providing greater transparency and control over their consumption patterns.
Background and Future Implications
The decision to replace the aging mechanical meters was driven by the need for more reliable data collection and the desire to reduce non-revenue water, which refers to water that is produced but not billed to customers. The successful completion of this project positions San Antonio as a leader in water conservation and smart infrastructure deployment. Looking ahead, SAWS plans to continue leveraging this technology to further enhance service delivery and promote sustainable water use practices throughout the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ConnectH2O program?
The ConnectH2O program is an initiative by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to replace all existing mechanical water meters with advanced electronic models. This program aims to enhance billing accuracy, improve water conservation efforts, and provide real-time data on water usage for both customers and the utility.
How many meters were replaced in this project?
Approximately 600,000 mechanical water meters were replaced with electronic models as part of the ConnectH2O program, making it the largest water meter replacement project in the United States.
When was the project completed?
The project was completed a year ahead of schedule, with all installations finalized by December 2025.
What are the benefits of the new electronic meters?
The new electronic meters provide real-time, hourly data on water usage, enabling both customers and the utility to monitor consumption more effectively, detect leaks promptly, and ensure accurate billing. This technology also helps in reducing water loss and promoting sustainable water use practices.
How much did the project cost?
The total cost of the project was around $200 million, which is below the initial estimate of $230 million.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | ConnectH2O Program |
| Scope | Replacement of approximately 600,000 mechanical water meters with electronic models |
| Completion Date | December 2025 |
| Cost | Approximately $200 million |
| Benefits | Enhanced billing accuracy, improved water conservation, real-time monitoring of water usage, and prompt leak detection |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
