While smart meters have been around for decades, there is still a lot of misinformation about the security and the reporting options with these devices. This often causes concerns for property owners as current, and potential tenants have questions about having a remote water meter reading device installed on their unit.
By understanding the misconceptions and the misinformation, it is simple to provide accurate, informed information to tenants about the remote water meter reading device security and use on any property.
Can It Detect Water Use By Type?
A smart meter is located on the outside of the unit, and it does not have the ability to detect, identify, record or transmit any information about how the water is used within the unit. There is no way for the meter to track if the water is used for a shower, in the dishwasher, or in the laundry.
Is it Secure?
The information transmitted and received by a remote water meter reading device system is only information about the meter code and the actual reading of the volume of water through the meter.
There is no transmission of any customer information, payment information or even specific geographic or address information. It is highly secure and does not connect to the internet as such, so there is no risk of access to your account or information.
Considering all of the internet connected devices in use today, including Bluetooth and internet connected components in appliances, home heating and lighting systems, home security systems and virtually all types of phones and mobile devices, the use of a smart meter on an apartment, condo or manufactured home is an extremely low concern for anyone.
It is also common for there to be questions about radiation emitted by the system. Again, it is very minimal, much less than a baby monitor or a cell phone, which are used commonly in most residences.
