Innovative Overhaul: Delhi's Water Metering System Gets a Fresh Start

Delhi Jal Board is revamping its water metering system by updating its list of approved meter manufacturers. This move, essential for accurate billing and revenue generation, responds to customer complaints about faulty meters. New smart meters aim to ease households' distress through technological advancements, enhancing consumer interaction and satisfaction.

In a significant move to transform the water billing framework in the capital, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has launched an initiative to reconstitute its panel of approved water meter manufacturers.

The last reconstitution was in 2018, inviting companies to modify their products according to DJB's guidelines and enlisting them for domestic connections. A DJB official noted, 'With over 29.90 lakh metered connections across Delhi, accurate water metering is imperative for DJB's revenue.' The overhaul follows numerous complaints of inaccurate billing caused by defective meters or faulty readings.

Currently, 10 models from nine manufacturers are approved for 15 mm water meters predominantly used in homes. Improvements include a digital database for water connections, proposed by water minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, aiming to streamline processes. Despite attempts to introduce smart meters with added customer-friendly features last year, full-scale implementation has been limited.