FREE upgrade: Cape Town officially begins smart water meter rollout
· The South African
The City of Cape Town has begun rolling out smart water meters across the metro, marking a significant shift toward digital water management.
The first Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) device has been installed in Bellville, officially launching a citywide programme aimed at improving leak detection, billing accuracy, and efficiency.
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Large-scale upgrade of meters underway in Cape Town
The rollout forms part of a broader plan to replace traditional mechanical meters with digital alternatives over time.
The City has allocated around R1.1 billion for the first phase of the programme, which will see approximately 83 000 existing meters replaced over the next three years.
In the long term, more than 680 000 meters across Cape Town are expected to be upgraded.
Unlike older systems, the new smart water meters automatically record and transmit water usage data, removing the need for manual readings and reducing the risk of errors.
Residents will also be able to monitor their water consumption through the City’s app, with access to daily usage data and alerts for unusual patterns or potential leaks.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien said the technology would help both the City and residents manage water more effectively.
“Installing smart water meters makes it easier to detect and attend to water leaks, resulting in water savings,” he said.
The new meters are designed with built-in anti-tampering features and are made from materials with no scrap value to deter theft.
They also include monitoring capabilities that can detect interference or movement and are expected to last up to 15 years.
What residents can expect
Households scheduled for installation will be notified in advance via SMS or email, provided their contact details are up to date.
Residents may experience brief, intermittent water supply disruptions during installation, but the City said all costs will be covered, with no charge to homeowners.
Authorised contractors will carry identification and operate in marked vehicles, and residents are encouraged to verify their credentials if needed.
The rollout will take place in phases, with the first phase running until February 2029.
Between April and June 2026, installations will continue in Bellville and nearby areas such as Oakglen, before expanding to other parts of the city.