About the Portland smart water meters project

Portland's water utilities (the Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environmental Services) are upgrading Portland's water meters. We are switching to smart meters to improve the customer experience. Smart meters will be able to provide customers with more information about their drinking water use.

Currently, staff must visit each meter to read it. They read most meters once every three months. Smart meters will use digital technology to automatically collect data every day.

Work will occur in steps.

1. Meter replacements: Between early 2026 and 2030, we will replace thousands of older water meters. The new meters are compatible with digital meter reading technology. Learn more about current meter replacement work.
2. Smart technology installation: Between early 2027 and 2030, we will install the digital meter reading technology. Our contractors will install smart technology on all meters. We won't activate the new technology right away.
3. Activation: In mid-2027, we plan to start activating the digital meter reading technology. Starting in late 2027, the first customers will be able to see water use data collected by their smart meter. We will continue to activate smart meters on a rolling basis as we complete steps one and two in different areas.

When all steps of the project are complete, customers will be able to:

• View daily water use for the last three years
• Receive text or email alerts about potential leaks or irregular water use patterns
• Get customized suggestions about ways to conserve water and reduce utility costs