How Long Do Water Meter Batteries Last?

When it comes to water meters, a common question is: how long will the batteries last?
The simple answer: usually 8–15 years.
The real answer: it depends on several critical factors.

1. Communication Protocol

Different communication technologies consume power differently:

• NB-IoT & LTE Cat.1: Strong connectivity, but higher energy use.

• LoRaWAN: Low power, ideal for extending battery life.

• Wireless M-Bus: Balanced consumption, widely used in Europe.

2. Reporting Frequency

Battery life is heavily influenced by how often data is transmitted.

• Hourly or near real-time reporting drains batteries faster.

• Daily or event-driven reporting significantly extends battery life.

3. Battery Capacity & Design

Larger capacity cells naturally last longer, but smart design matters too.
Modules with optimized power management and sleep modes ensure maximum efficiency.