Features & tools
Setting up the metered water table with meters
When each unit has a divisional water meter, the water expense is no longer allocated by thousandths (millesimi) but by the consumption actually measured, so everyone pays for what they drew. Consumption-based water allocation is fairer, but it requires careful configuration in the software: meters must be linked to units, period readings entered, any fixed share managed and, above all, the gap between the sum of submeters and the building's main meter handled. This guide explains step by step how to set up the water table, how to read the gaps and how to produce a transparent allocation.
Why allocate water by consumption
Allocating water by thousandths means charging the same to those who consume little and those who consume a lot, with clear unfairness in condominiums with households of different sizes. The divisional meter measures the real draw of the single unit and allows an allocation proportional to actual consumption.
The choice to switch to consumption is usually resolved by the owners' meeting and presupposes the installation of meters on all units. Once the criterion is adopted, the software becomes the tool that collects the readings, applies any fixed share and distributes the expense consistently with the water supplier's bill.
Linking meters to units
The first step is to associate each meter with its unit through a stable identifier, typically the device's serial number. This unique link prevents a reading from ending up on the wrong apartment and stays valid over the years, even when owners change.
In the software you create a water table distinct from the general table and assign it the correct unit of measure, usually the cubic metre, so the totals match those billed. Recording the serial number next to the unit is also useful for meter replacement, when the starting value resumes from the new device.
- Link each meter to the unit via its serial number
- Create a water table separate from the thousandths
- Set the cubic metre as the unit of measure
- Plan for handling meter replacement
Readings, fixed share and the gap
Readings are entered as the period's opening and closing value, and the software derives consumption by difference. It is advisable to provide a fixed share for costs not tied to draw, such as system maintenance and the supply charge, distributed by thousandths or per unit, while the variable part follows the cubic metres consumed.
The critical point is the gap: the sum of individual consumptions almost never matches the building's main meter, due to network losses, measurement tolerances and common draws such as irrigation. This difference must be allocated explicitly, usually in proportion to consumption or by thousandths, according to the resolved criterion.
Verify and produce the allocation
Before issuing instalments it is worth checking that the sum of fixed share, variable share and gap share matches the overall water expense down to the cent. The allocation statement must show each owner the consumption, any fixed share and the portion of the difference assigned, so the amount is understandable.
With AmministraPro you link meters to units, enter the period's readings, set the fixed share and allocate the gap with the main meter, producing a clear and verifiable water allocation. The consumption metering features are described on the /funzioni page, while the plans for managers and firms are on the /prezzi page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a resolution to allocate water by consumption?
Switching from thousandths to consumption changes how the expense is distributed and usually requires a resolution of the owners' meeting, plus the installation of meters on all units. Once the criterion is adopted, the software applies consumption-based allocation to subsequent years consistently.
Why does the sum of meters not match the main one?
Because there are network losses, device measurement tolerances and common draws not counted by the submeters, such as irrigation or cleaning. This difference is physiological and must be allocated explicitly among the units, in proportion to consumption or by thousandths, according to the criterion resolved by the meeting.
Should I provide a fixed share for water?
It is advisable. Part of the water expense does not depend on individual draw, but on system running and the supply charge. Providing a fixed share, distributed by thousandths or per unit, and leaving only the variable part to consumption makes the allocation fairer and consistent with the real cost structure.
How do I handle a meter replacement during the year?
You record the final reading of the old meter and the initial reading of the new one, so the period's consumption is the sum of the two segments. In the software it is worth updating the serial number linked to the unit while keeping the history. This way the allocation stays correct even in the replacement year.
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