What is a Submeter Recapture Rate? Why is it important?

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Introduction

Effective water management is essential in properties with submetering systems, particularly in mobile home parks where water usage and billing need close monitoring. One critical metric for this purpose is the recapture rate. This article delves into what recapture rates are, their importance, and the technical aspects involved in their calculation and application.

What is a Recapture Rate?

A recapture rate is a percentage that indicates how much water usage is "recaptured" through submeters compared to the total water usage billed by the utility for a property. This rate helps in assessing the efficiency and accuracy of the submetering system.

The Calculation of Recapture Rates

To calculate the recapture rate, you need to compare the total water usage recorded by all submeters with the total water usage billed by the utility. This comparison should be for the same time period to ensure accuracy.

Example:

• Property: Mobile Home Park with 20 units
• Each unit has an individual submeter

In an ideal situation, the total water usage recorded by all 20 submeters should match the water usage recorded by the utility's main meter, assuming no additional water usage on the property that isn't captured by the submeters.

Addressing Time Period Discrepancies

To ensure an accurate recapture rate, it's crucial to align the time periods of the submeter readings with the utility's billing cycle. For instance, if the submeters data is from the 1st to the 31st, but the utility reads their meter on the 10th of the month, we are comparing "apples to oranges." Ensure that the reads from the submeters and the reads from the utility meter are coming from the same dates. This ensures an "apples to apples" comparison.

Real-World Challenges in Achieving 100% Recapture Rate

Several factors can prevent a perfect 100% recapture rate:

1. Unmetered Water Usage:

   • Landscaping: Water used for irrigation might be included in the utility bill but not captured by individual submeters.
   • Common Areas: Facilities such as laundry rooms or office bathrooms might use water that is billed by the utility but not submetered.

2. Submeter Performance:

   • Submeters might malfunction or get jammed, leading to under-recording of water usage.

3. Reading Timing Differences:

   • The discrepancy between the timing of submeter readings and utility meter readings can lead to variations in the recapture rate. For example, if submeters record usage at 10 PM and the utility meter is read at 7 AM, this can introduce a difference of up to 3%.

Importance of Establishing a Baseline

Setting a baseline recapture rate is crucial for monitoring and maintaining the system’s efficiency. Consistent monitoring allows for the detection of anomalies, such as sudden drops in the recapture rate, which could indicate issues like leaks.

Example Baseline:

• A property might have a baseline recapture rate of 95%, meaning that typically 95% of the water usage billed by the utility is captured by the submeters. If this rate suddenly drops to 82%, it signals a potential problem.

Technical Considerations

1. Measurement Accuracy:

   • Submeters often have higher resolution compared to utility meters. Submeters can measure water usage down to the gallon, whereas utility meters might measure in larger increments, such as 100 cubic feet (748 gallons). This difference in resolution can cause minor discrepancies but typically accounts for a small percentage difference in the recapture rate.

2. Data Collection and Analysis:

   • Submetering systems collect multiple readings throughout the day, often every four to six hours. The final daily reading, usually taken at the end of the day, is compared with the utility’s meter reading to calculate the recapture rate.

Practical Application and Cost Implications

In manufacturing housing and mobile home parks, undetected leaks can lead to substantial financial losses. Monitoring recapture rates helps in early detection of leaks, enabling timely repairs and preventing water wastage.

Example Scenario:

• A significant drop in the recapture rate might indicate a hidden leak. Investing in professional leak detection services can quickly offset the cost of wasted water, making it a financially sound decision.

Conclusion

Recapture rates are a vital metric in the management of submetered properties. By understanding how to calculate and interpret these rates, property managers can ensure efficient water usage, detect issues early, and save on unnecessary costs. Regular monitoring and maintaining a consistent baseline are key practices for effective water management in submetered properties.