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Retrofitting a Condominium with Water Submetering:

A Reference Account | Condo Case Study

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Executive Summary

A 61-unit mixed-use Ontario condominium operating primarily as a student residence faced persistently high water consumption and escalating operating costs. Despite plumbing inspections, leak investigations, and resident awareness efforts, usage remained excessive.

Following an assessment through the Region of Waterloo’s Water Efficiency Technology (WET) funding program, the condominium implemented suite-level water submetering with Alliance Metering Solutions.

Results

48%

reduction in average daily water consumption

Nearly 50%

reduction in peak demand

Immediate

stabilization of domestic water systems

$68,000+

in projected annual operating savings

Beyond the economics, submetering delivered fairness, faster leak detection, better tenant relations, and clearer accountability.

Property at a Glance

AttributeDetails
Type61-unit mixed-use condominium
OccupancyPrimarily student residence
Water ProfileSome units with up to 5 washrooms
LocationOntario, Canada (Region of Waterloo)
Pre-Submeter Average Use77.5 m³ per day
Post-Submeter Average Use40.4 m³ per day
Pre-Submeter PeaksUp to 170 m³ per day
Post-Submeter PeaksApproximately 90 m³ per day
Funding Support50% of meter costs funded through the Region of Waterloo’s WET program

Note: Submetering significantly reduced both average consumption and peak demand, improving overall system stability and operating efficiency.

Solution Overview

  • Vendor: Alliance Metering Solutions (AMS)
  • Scope: Suite-level water submeters across all 61 units
  • Billing Model: Direct unit billing based on actual consumption
  • System: Utility-grade meter reading, secure data transmission, and continuous monitoring.

Alliance designed and deployed a system capable of accurate meter reading, utility-grade billing, continuous flow detection within individual suites, and long-term operational durability.

Why Submetering Helps in Condominium Buildings

  • Fair Allocation: Owners pay for their actual water use.
  • Transparency: Real consumption data replaces estimates.
  • Lessen Peak Demand: Reduces system stress and mechanical cycling.
  • Leak Detection: Continuous-flow alerts enable targeted response.
  • Cost Stability: Predictable operating expenses support long-term planning.
  • Asset Protection: Lower system strain improves infrastructure longevity.

Measured Results (Post-Implementation)

Average Daily Consumption
Peak Daily Consumption

Financial Impact

$68,000

Projected annual building savings

Average monthly cost per unit
Before: $198 > After: $92.90

Typical Canadian Household Indoor Water Use Breakdown

Toilets

35%

Showers & Baths

45%

Drinking & Cooking

10%

Dishwashing by Hand

5%

Waste (letting water cool or heat up)

5%

Lessons Learned

  • Incentives matter. Direct cost responsibility drives rapid behaviour change.
  • Peak reduction is critical. Lowering spikes protects infrastructure.
  • Transparency works. Clear data eliminates guesswork.
  • Utility-grade systems matter. Accurate billing builds trust.
  • Funding programs improve ROI by offsetting capital cost.
  • Continuous water-flow alerts detect hidden leaks that traditional investigative techniques miss.

Water Savings for Multi-Residential Properties from the Region of Waterloo

Water Efficiency Success
Region of Waterloo & the condo board completed a comprehensive water audit— receiving $3,356 in funding. The audit identified key opportunities, including repairing leaks and upgrading to water-efficient fixtures.

Targeted Upgrades, Immediate Impact
An additional $3,255 supported the replacement of 217 toilet flappers, significantly reducing water waste throughout the building.

Sub-Metering That Pays Off
The completed sub-metering project secured $3,637.92 through the Region’s Water Capacity Buyback Program—delivering both environmental and financial returns.

For more information on the Region of Waterloo’s WET Program:
Visit https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/water-savings-for-multi-residential-properties.aspx