What Percentage of Water Meters are Automated?

As of 2025, approximately 39% of water meters in the United States are automated, utilizing technologies such as Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This estimate is derived from the fact that basic (non-smart) water meters account for about 61% of the U.S. market, indicating that the remaining 39% are smart meters .(mordorintelligence.com)

Key Insights:

• Residential Sector: The residential segment dominates the smart water meter market, comprising approximately 94% of the total market share in 2024. This substantial presence is driven by the increasing adoption of residential water meters in homes and residential complexes for accurate consumption monitoring and billing .(mordorintelligence.com)
• Regional Variations: Adoption rates vary across regions. For instance, in San Francisco, the Public Utilities Commission has implemented an Automated Water Meter Program, deploying thousands of automated meters throughout the city. Conversely, some regions face challenges such as funding constraints and infrastructure limitations, which can slow the deployment of automated metering systems.(mordorintelligence.com)
• Growth Projections: The U.S. smart water meter market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.83% from 2022 to 2028, reaching a revenue of $3.08 billion by 2028. This growth reflects increasing investments by utilities in AMR and AMI technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.

Conclusion:

While the adoption of automated water meters in the U.S. is progressing, with approximately 39% penetration, achieving nationwide implementation will require addressing financial, technical, and infrastructural challenges. Continued investment and policy support are essential to realize the full benefits of water metering automation.