Submetering Triplex – NC

Hey all — looking for some guidance from folks who have experience with submetering.

I recently purchased a triplex in Raleigh, NC, and the property currently has a single water line and meter servicing all three units. I looked into splitting it into three separate meters, but based on contractor feedback, that route is prohibitively expensive.

So now I’m exploring submetering and would appreciate any recommendations or lessons learned.

A few details about the setup and what I’m looking for:

• The plumbing is brand new, so installing submeters or upgrading the system shouldn’t be an issue

• I’m specifically looking for a digital / smart system that does NOT rely on tenant WiFi (since each unit will have its own network and I don’t plan to have separate WiFi system) but this isn’t a dealbreaker because I might be able to offer WiFi for each house.

• Ideally something that uses cellular, RF (radio), or similar for remote readings

• I’d like real-time or near real-time usage tracking

• I do not want to physically go to the property to read meters each month

• Something relatively straightforward to install (or commonly used by landlords)

From what I’ve read, this sounds more like an AMR/AMI-type system where the meters transmit usage data remotely, but I’m still getting up to speed. 

My tentative plan is to include water in rent up to a certain threshold, and then bill tenants if usage exceeds that amount — so accuracy and ease of tracking matter.

A few specific questions:

• Any brands or systems you recommend (especially ones using cellular or RF instead of WiFi)?

• Do most setups require a third-party billing service, or can you manage it yourself?

• How reliable are these remote systems in practice?

• Any issues with tenant disputes over usage?

• Anything specific to North Carolina / Raleigh regs I should be aware of?

Appreciate any insight — totally new to this and trying to set it up the right way from the start.