Do You Know About the Groundbreaker?

The water industry’s quietly revolutionary meter box.

In a sector striving for smarter infrastructure and greater efficiency, the Groundbreaker Box stands out as a solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously.

The Groundbreaker is the UK’s only pre-insulated, surface-mounted water service connection box. Unlike traditional below-ground boundary boxes, it is installed above ground on an external wall, eliminating the need for deep excavations and reducing risks associated with flooding, contaminated land, and access difficulties. This design not only simplifies installation—requiring just basic tools—but also enhances safety and reduces costs.

Technically, the Groundbreaker is compatible with all known smart metering systems, including AMR and AMI technologies. Its above-ground placement ensures optimal signal transmission and ease of access for maintenance and meter exchanges. The unit is WRAS approved and exceeds Water Industry Standard 4-37-01, with insulation certified to protect internal components down to -15°C. It also complies with Building Regulations Parts L and M, and aligns with Water UK best practice guidelines.

Constructed from UV-stabilised, reprocessed polypropylene, the Groundbreaker boasts a 50+ year design life and is certified to withstand pressures up to 15 bar, with a burst pressure of 46 bar. Its design includes tamper-resistant features and provides whole-site protection against backflow, meeting Fluid Category 2 standards.

The Groundbreaker Box is not just a meter housing; it’s an enabling technology that supports the water industry’s goals for smart infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability. As the industry moves towards reducing per capita consumption and enhancing data-driven decision-making, revisiting solutions like the Groundbreaker could be key to achieving these objectives..

So if you haven’t looked at it in a while, maybe it’s time to take another look. Because the future of water delivery? It might just be mounted to the side of the house.