How to sub meter H2O in multifamily?

[Joey Newton]

Good morning BP universe!

I recently purchased a pair of 4 families in the St. Louis county area, and I am a total virgin when it comes to this. I want to sub meter each unit's water, so I would non longer have to bear that cost. I have heard of companies that are willing and able to get each unit on its own water meter. Has any one done this before/ can anyone recommend a company that can do this. 

Thanks everyone. Have a great day!

- joey

[Terry Mclain]

Hey @Joey Newton, there are some different options like previous members have mentioned. Obviously the best and most long term option would be to have the city come in and sub meter the property. This would make the tenants responsible for setting up an account with the local water company and billing would happen through them which is very hands off for the investor. But there is/can be a very steep initial cost to getting that implemented into your property. 

There is another system I installed into a small multifamily complex we purchased last year which was from True Submeter (disclaimer: I am now a sales rep for them because I think they are awesome!) They have point of use options for low cost install or an in-line option, which may require a plumber to install, but they are more concealed and permanent. There are two power systems, battery operated or hard wired, which allow the meter to communicate with a wireless router that sends the data to a database at the company (this is accessable to you the owner/property manager via the web) and then a bill is sent to the tenants automatically at a interval that you set. There is even an option to collect payment straight from the emailed invoice through PayPal if you need that option. I am happy to send you some info on them or just answer any questions if you had any.