Is My New Water Meter A Smart Meter?

The new water meters are Elster model SM-700s. They are not the “Smart Meters” being used for electricity. While they are a highly advanced water measurement technology, they cannot shut your water off or slow your water down. They are not part of the DTE “Smart Grid”. They simply record the usage and send that the reading to City Hall on a daily basis.


The transmitter will also report if the water meter has been removed from the water line, or if water is flowing backwards. There is also a feature for “continuous flow” which means that if you have water running for over four hours, it will send a message to City Hall of a “potential leak”.


All transmissions are 1 way. City Hall cannot “talk” back to the meter or monitor consumption minute by minute.

Show All Answers

1. Why do we need a new meter?
2. Is there any cost to me?
3. Are these new radio devices safe?
4. When will the water meter and remote reading device be installed?
5. How will I know that the installers are legitimate?
6. How long will it take to install the new equipment?
7. Who will maintain the new equipment?
8. Is there a U/L Listing for water meters?
9. Is there anything I can do to make the installation smoother?
10. Why Is My Water Bill So High?
11. How Do I Know My New Meter Is Accurate?
12. How Do I Read My New Water Meter?
13. Is My New Water Meter A Smart Meter?
14. What You Should Know About Your Water Meter