As the water sector moves towards AMP8, it’s clear expectations are shifting. PR24 places a strong focus on digital capability, transparency, and efficient operations, pushing water companies to rethink how they collect, understand and act on their data. For many, this means finding ways to modernise systems that have been in place for decades. For Matrix Water, it presented an opportunity to build something smarter right from the start.
While achieving 100% AMI metering is a technical achievement, the decision was rooted in something much more practical: avoiding the legacy challenges that many established water companies are now having to unpick.
Why AMI, and why now?
AMI plays a central role in helping the sector meet PR24 expectations. Continuous flow, pressure, and consumption data allow water companies to manage their networks more efficiently, respond quicker and demonstrate value to customers and regulators.
Real-time metering means fewer billing disputes and quicker resolutions when customers have questions. Automated data collection supports transparent regulatory reporting, and early leak detection helps reduce waste and strengthen network resilience. In short, AMI provides the tools needed to meet PR24 requirements as expectations continue to evolve.
A partnership that made it possible
To deliver the rollout, Matrix Water partnered with Stream Measurement, working together to carry out joint site assessments and understand the needs of each development. This involved looking closely at the type of properties served, the layout of the networks and the best way to maximise coverage. This helped decision making on the right mix of battery powered and wired solutions, supported by gateways positioned strategically across each site.
A pilot programme followed, allowing both organisations to refine installation methods, test communication strength and validate data accuracy before scaling up. This collaborative approach ensured the final system delivered the level of insight and reliability required for full AMI integration.
What 100% AMI looks like in practice
Matrix Water made a commitment early on to fully embrace AMI across its network. Today, it’s the only NAV in the UK operating with 100% AMI metering. Every customer is connected to a digital, automated system that gives insights into water usage, network performance and asset behaviour.
Each apartment within Matrix Water’s developments is fitted with a smart AMI meter. These devices transmit data to cloud-connected gateways, feeding into a central dashboard accessible to operational teams via desktop.
This provides a level of visibility that would be impossible with traditional metering. Teams can:
- analyse flow data and spot unusual patterns
- detect bursts and receive alerts quickly
- locate assets instantly using mapped data
- generate performance and consumption reports automatically
- reduce time spent searching for anomalies caused by incorrect asset settings
Why being first matters
Becoming the first NAV to achieve 100% AMI metering is about recognising that digital infrastructure is the foundation of efficient, modern water management and choosing to prioritise it from the outset.
Many traditional water companies now face the challenge of retrofitting AMI into older networks, often encountering compatibility issues, access barriers, and legacy processes. By contrast, Matrix Water avoids those hurdles entirely. Its teams aren’t spending time finding meters, chasing missing reads or manually investigating anomalies. Instead, they’re working with a clean, consistent, and high-quality dataset that supports operations and better customer service.
This also makes the network far more adaptable. As PR24 and future regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, Matrix Water has the digital foundations needed to respond quickly. Whether it’s meeting new performance commitments, evidencing resilience, or demonstrating environmental improvements, AMI offers the clarity and confidence to move forward without playing catch-up.
Looking ahead
This partnership between Matrix Water and Stream Measurement continues to grow as both organisations explore new ways to use AMI insight to support PR24 and AMP8 priorities. By building a fully digital network from day one, Matrix Water is preparing for a future where data drives everything from operational planning to customer engagement.
Steve McDonnell, Operations Manager, at Matrix Water commented: 
“Becoming the first NAV to achieve 100% AMI metering is a milestone we’re extremely proud of. But more importantly, it reflects our commitment to operating efficiently and delivering a stronger service for our customers. Having full visibility of the network means we can respond faster, make better decisions, and avoid the legacy issue that many sectors are now working hard to resolve. For us, this isn’t just the start of a smarter network, it’s the start of a smarter way of working.”