The influence of individual metering on water consumption in multi-family dwellings

Abstract

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not allow residential landlords to bill tenants for water consumption. Data on water consumption patterns of owner occupants and renters was gathered from three Massachusetts towns and cities: Brookline, Cambridge, and Boston. Multiple regression analysis was performed on the data. Renters who are not billed for water consumption were found to use a statistically significant greater amount of water than their owner occupant counterparts who pay for their own consumption. Analyses of similar studies in other states are also contained. A legal review and summary provides information on the legal framework that allows landlords in other states to pass on water costs to the tenants. Current legal impediments to implementation of water submetering in Massachusetts as well as proposed legislation are discussed. The author recommends the adoption of water submetering policy by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a way to promote conservation of natural resources and as a way to make individuals equitably responsible for their water consumption. The author believes such policy will aid in reducing overall water consumption as well as wastewater creation and the need to process it.