Does Submetering Save Money?
Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team
Submetering takes an upfront investment. Most owners earn it back within 12 to 18 months, then keep the savings every year after.
- Typical water savings
- 15-30%Typical water savings
- Typical payback
- ~12 moTypical payback
- Meter reads
- DailyMeter reads
- States served
- 43+States served
Does submetering save money?
Yes. Submetering saves money two ways. Residents pay for their own use, so the owner stops absorbing the master bill. And once people see their usage on a bill, they cut back, so consumption falls, typically 15 to 30 percent for water. Together, properties typically save 15 to 40 percent on utility costs. The upfront cost runs a few hundred dollars per unit for meters and installation, and most properties earn it back in 12 to 18 months. Some recover it sooner. After that, the recovered cost lands on the bottom line every year. Daily meter reads add savings of their own, because leaks surface within a day instead of hiding in next month's bill. NES will run the numbers on your actual master-meter bills and send a no-obligation estimate.
How submetering saves money
- Water consumption typically drops 15 to 30 percent after meters are installed
- Submetering is one of the best ways to catch leaks early
- Common-area water is measured and billed accurately, not absorbed by the owner
- Owners and managers stop spending time on utility bills
- Cash flow becomes more consistent month to month
What is the return on investment?
Plan on a few hundred dollars per unit for meters and installation, so a 100-unit property is a real investment, not a small one. Most owners earn it back in 12 to 18 months through recovered utility cost and lower consumption. From then on the savings repeat every year, and the meters keep working.
What types of real estate can be submetered
All types of real estate can be submetered. NES specializes in properties with 80 or more multifamily units and serves new construction and existing properties, including apartment communities, mobile home parks, townhomes, condominiums, and mixed-use real estate.
Not sure submetering fits your property?
Start with a free assessment. Send NES your master-meter bills and unit count, and the team will confirm feasibility, estimate your return, and recommend the right method for your property, with no obligation.
Does Submetering Save Money?
See what your property can recover.
Send us your master-meter bills and unit count. We’ll run the numbers on your actual property and reply within one business day with a clear, no-obligation estimate.