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Optimize Your Multifamily Property's Water Usage

Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team

As water rates rise, the NES submetering strategy gives multifamily owners a proven way to reduce usage, cut cost, and promote conservation.

Typical water savings
15-30%Typical water savings
Typical payback
~12 moTypical payback
Meter reads
DailyMeter reads
States served
43+States served
Quick answer

How can I reduce water usage at a multifamily property?

The proven way to cut water use at a multifamily property is to meter each unit and bill residents for what they use. Nobody conserves on a shared bill. Once the bill is theirs, residents fix drips, shorten showers, and report problems, and water use typically drops 15 to 30 percent. Daily meter reads add more, because leaks surface within a day instead of running for a month. Between lower use and recovered cost, properties typically save 15 to 40 percent on utility costs. NES has designed water submetering for multifamily properties since 1968. The team maps your plumbing, places the meters and wireless equipment, then runs the reads and resident billing. Most owners earn back the install in 12 to 18 months.

A submetering strategy built for your property

NES has pioneered water submetering for multifamily properties since 1968. The team designs and installs around each property's size, unit count, and plumbing layout, so the system fits the building it goes in.

What the strategy includes

  • Customized system design and installation for your property
  • Accurate per-unit measurement so residents pay for what they use
  • Daily reads and leak detection to catch problems early
  • Typical results: water use down 15 to 30 percent, payback in 12 to 18 months
  • Full resident billing and in-house support

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.

Common questions

Optimize Your Multifamily Property's Water Usage

Submetering puts a meter on each unit and bills residents for the water, gas, and electric they actually use. The idea has been around since the 1920s, and today's meters read wirelessly every day, so usage is accurate and leaks show up fast instead of on the next bill.

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.

Free assessment

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