Water Submetering Laws in Georgia
Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team
Georgia requires water submetering in new multifamily construction and sets accuracy and billing standards. Here is what owners need to know.
What are Georgia's water submetering laws?
Georgia's Water Stewardship Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5-180.1) requires individual water submetering in new multifamily construction permitted after July 2012, and it encourages retrofitting existing properties. Submeters must meet accuracy standards, billing must be transparent, and residents are billed for their measured use. The framework is built around fairness, accuracy, and water conservation.
Yes. Submetering is allowed in Georgia, with some restrictions.
Water submetering follows the Georgia Water Stewardship Act, and NES handles the requirements for you.
Mandatory submetering for new construction
Under the Georgia Water Stewardship Act, individual water submeters are required in new multifamily buildings, and the state encourages retrofitting existing properties. The goal is to make each unit's usage visible so residents conserve and owners recover cost fairly.
Accuracy and reliability standards
Submetering systems in Georgia must meet accuracy and reliability standards, so residents are billed fairly and correctly for what they use. Keeping meters accurate is an ongoing responsibility, which is why most owners use a submetering company.
Transparent billing
Owners and managers must give residents clear, itemized bills that show the charges and the usage behind them. Transparent billing is central to Georgia's rules and to keeping residents confident the charges are fair.
Georgia state rules
- Georgia's 2010 Water Stewardship Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5-180.1) requires new multifamily buildings permitted after July 1, 2012 to be individually metered or submetered for water
- Residents are billed for their measured water and wastewater use, and a public water system cannot charge a fee just for using privately owned submeters
- Owners may charge reasonable fees for installing, maintaining, and billing the metering system, and admin fees should be disclosed in the lease
- Georgia has no state rule on electric or gas submetering, so the lease governs how those are billed; electric service comes from utilities such as Georgia Power and the EMCs, and natural gas is sold through Georgia's competitive retail market
- Submetering is allowed in existing buildings as well as new construction, and NES tracks the current requirements for your property
Local rules can vary by city and county, and some cities set their own requirements, which NES verifies for your exact address.
Official sources: Georgia EPD · O.C.G.A. 12-5-180.1
General information only, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the Georgia EPD or a qualified attorney.
Georgia submetering law
Stay compliant in Georgia.
NES installs the meters, bills your residents, and tracks the Georgia rules so your property stays clean. Send your details for a free, no-obligation estimate.