Smart Metering
Smart Metering Program Update
The Smart Metering Program is ahead of track and under budget to complete the majority of city-wide smart meter upgrades by the end of 2025. A small number of commercial installations that require additional construction are scheduled for completion in 2026.
These upgrades introduce advanced technology that enables remote meter reading through a secure network, helping to resolve previous billing issues caused by older meters that relied on manual readings. The new smart meters also offer more accurate tracking of water usage and can detect potential leaks early.
In addition, customers now have access to a new online account experience. This platform provides modern tools for managing accounts, including detailed water usage data, billing history, and customizable alert notifications—such as early leak detection—to help users stay informed and in control.
About Your Meter
The new smart meter program provides state-of-the-art technology which enables remote meter reading and continuous access to water usage data. This upgrade provides our customers with more accurate meter readings and the ability to stay informed on important account information such as unplanned usage and potential leaks.
New Account Experience:
In addition to the advanced meter, SWBNO has also updated its online account experience with modern account management tools to help customers have more control over their water use, and ultimately their bill. Customers no longer must wait until they receive a bill to see how much water they have used during that month. They can now log into a secure customer portal from a computer or a smart phone to view real-time consumption and costs.
Users can tell what time of day (or month or year) they use water, which can help determine the causes of their water consumption (gardening, showering, dishwashing, filling up a pool, etc.) and give them the power to make changes accordingly. Customers may also choose to set up automatic text, email, or phone alerts for unusual water consumption to help quickly address leaks or budget concerns.
To register or login to your online account visit myaccount.swbno.org
You will need the following information for registration:
- Account Number
- Last Name (As seen on the bill)
- Service Address
- Preferred Email
Leak Detection:
Leak alert notifications have helped save customers experiencing leaks an average of $34 on their monthly bill. For customers registered on the new online account, they will receive an alert if their meter measures over 4 gallons per hour of continuous usage over a 48-hour period. This could be a sign of a potential leak. The online account portal provides customers with a step-by-step guide on how to look for and identify potential leaks. Many leaks are caused by running toilets or fixture leaks requiring simple repairs to help save money.
For more information on how to save water and how to detect a leak, visit: Detect A Leak - Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
The reading at the meter is regularly converted into a digital format using technology that has proven to be highly reliable and secure, as noted in project studies, pilot programs, and large-scale implementations. By having this information relayed in a digital format, it eliminates the potential for human error in manual meter reading. The smart meters also have an extended battery life with a 20-year warranty that guarantees their accuracy to the level of roughly 1.5%.
SWBNO recommends customers do not lift their smart meter lid to avoid potential damage which could result in tamper fees. Most meter related information will be available digitally through the customer portal or by contacting SWBNO. However, there are some circumstances where a plumber or facility manager must access the meter, so we are providing a general guide below on how to safely remove a smart meter lid:
- Gather the necessary tools: You may need a screwdriver, wrench, or specialized meter lid key depending on the type of cover the water meter has.
- Remove any debris: Clear away any dirt, leaves, or debris that may be on top of the cover. This will make it easier to access and prevent anything that might be blocking the antennae from properly transmitting.
- Lift the cover: Please note the meter has a wire that connects to the transponder mounted on the lid. Be careful while removing the lid so that the wire does not get damaged or disconnected. Damage to the wire connection could result in fees. Gently lift the lid from the opposite side of the plastic antennae cap to avoid damaging the wire connected to the lid. Rest the lid on its side taking care not to pinch or disconnect the wire. Be cautious as the cover may be heavy or have sharp edges.
- Inspect the water meter: Once the cover is off, you can inspect the water meter for any signs of damage or leaks. If you identify a problem, do not tamper with the meter. Contact SWBNO to have a meter technician further inspect the meter.
- Close the cover securely: After you are done inspecting the water meter, make sure to securely close the cover. When placing the lid back on the meter box be careful not to pinch the connected wire.
- Continue easily paying your bill online
- Link multiple accounts to one profile for easier management
- Access to past billing
- Sign up for water outage and construction alerts
Once you have a smart meter, you’ll have access to even more features, including:
- Access your water use data anywhere, anytime
- Better understand your water use habits
- Learn how your water use impacts your bill
- Set customized alerts to manage your budget
- Early leak detection
Potential Leak notifications are sent to customers if their meter measures over 4 gallons of continuous water usage for over 48 hours. Customers can take the recommended steps to investigate a leak and are encouraged to look at their usage insights on their online account. Many leaks are caused by running toilets or leaky fixtures which require simple repairs to help save money. Customers can also view a helpful video on how to detect a leak by visiting Detect A Leak - Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans