Toronto Launches $103M Program to Replace Water Meter Transmission Units
Toronto water meter transmission units replacement program begins in April with no cost to customers
The City of Toronto will begin a citywide replacement of approximately 470,000 water meter transmission units (MTUs) starting in April, as part of a three-year, $103-million program aimed at maintaining accurate and reliable water billing.
The small transmission devices automatically send water-use readings to the City for billing. While the water meters themselves continue to measure consumption accurately, the MTUs are failing earlier than expected — an issue affecting municipalities across North America.
City officials say replacing the units will ensure customers continue receiving timely, accurate bills based on actual water usage.
Why the Replacement Is Needed
When a transmission unit fails, the City no longer receives automated meter readings. In those cases, customers are issued estimated bills based on historical consumption until an actual reading can be obtained.
Once accurate readings resume after replacement, customers will see billing adjustments reflecting their actual usage. Updated bills are expected to be issued approximately four to six weeks after live data transmission resumes.
The program is funded through the City’s capital budget. Officials note that Toronto’s automated meter reading system has already saved more than $350 million in operational costs since full implementation in 2015, largely by reducing manual meter-reading work and improving efficiency.
City of Toronto Water Meter Transmission Unit replacement program
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Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager of Toronto Water, described the program as a long-term infrastructure investment.
“This replacement program is a critical investment in the long-term reliability of Toronto’s water meter system and the value we deliver to residents,” said Di Gironimo. “It remains the most efficient and cost-effective way to ensure accurate billing for all customers.”
No Cost to Customers
There will be no installation fee or separate charge for residents. The replacement rollout will occur by geographic zones beginning in April and continuing through 2028.
Neptune Technology Group (Canada), the contractor hired to complete the work, will contact customers directly to schedule appointments once their area is ready. Residents can check their zone and estimated timeline at toronto.ca/MTUreplacement.
John Longarini, Director of Revenue Services, emphasized customer support throughout the transition.
“We have a dedicated team available to support residents through this transition,” said Longarini. “Ensuring every customer is billed accurately based on their actual water usage remains our top priority.”
What Customers Should Do
Customers whose transmission units have stopped sending readings may receive estimated bills while awaiting replacement. The City encourages those customers to submit manual water meter readings through the City’s online portal or by calling 311 and selecting ‘1’ for utility billing support.
Once the new transmission unit is installed and data transmission resumes, estimated billing will end automatically and accounts will be reconciled.
A dedicated support team is available through 311 to assist residents, including multilingual support, billing reviews and flexible payment arrangements if required.
City officials say the program ensures the continued reliability of Toronto’s automated billing system while protecting customers from unexpected charges and maintaining long-term operational efficiencies.
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