(5 - 7 min read)
At the Office of Public Accountability (OPA), we’ve been listening to LADWP ratepayers share experiences with the Flume Smart Home Water Monitor. It’s a tool designed to give real-time insights into water usage and identify leaks quickly, helping ratepayers cut costs and adjust habits before the bill arrives.
My team recently met with LADWP and the team at Flume to discuss the program’s design and impact. I also recently installed the device in my own home and assisted my father-in-law with his.
This post is meant to highlight how the process went and what I learned along the way so LADWP ratepayers can figure out if the Flume is right for them.
Background on the Program
Before sharing my personal experience, it’s important to understand why LADWP is offering the Flume monitor in the first place.
In 2017, LADWP completed a Water Conservation Potential Study to identify opportunities for reducing water use. The study found that decades of upgrades—like new showerheads and turf removal—weren't enough. But like many modern utility challenges, the "missing link" was data: knowing where to target new programs while simultaneously putting that information into the hands of the consumer.
With a full utility-led rollout of advanced meters still a distant reality, LADWP’s conservation group turned to Flume. By putting these devices in the hands of customers now, they are bridging the data gap to tackle water loss immediately.
What is Flume? It is a DIY water monitor that straps onto an existing meter to track usage in real-time. This data empowers both customers and planners to target waste and develop more impactful conservation incentives.
How is the program funded? While a portion comes from LADWP ratepayer revenue, the majority of the cost is subsidized by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). As a regional wholesaler, MWD provides this funding to help member agencies like LADWP reduce overall residential demand.
With this funding, LADWP and Flume Water are offering single-family customers the device for $25, which can be refunded, plus $24 in shipping and tax. More information HERE.
Who can get one? Flume is designed for single-family homes. Even though apartment tenants and business owners could benefit from these insights—and other technology providers are racing to fill that gap—the demand for immediate, accessible water data remains high across the board.
How widespread is it? To date, 25,000 Flume monitors have been installed by LADWP customers. Flume reports 100,000 statewide installations, with households seeing an average 14% decrease in water use—largely driven by early leak detection.
My install story: Short and Pretty Easy
I had been eagerly awaiting the Flume device for a while —especially since the first round of the program sold out. So, I was excited when it finally arrived in its well-organized box. Installing the Flume doesn’t require a plumber or any modifications to plumbing, and has the easiest install process of any such monitors on the market.
Here is how the 30-minute installation went:
Step 1: The App Setting up the Flume app took about ten minutes. It was a straightforward process: creating an account, entering basic home information, scanning QR codes, and linking the monitor to the bridge device.
Step 2: The Meter Check Next, I headed out to the street to ensure my LADWP meter was compatible. Opening the lid (pictured above) wasn't too difficult, and I was relieved to find the meter box in the sidewalk was surprisingly clean.
Step 3: The Installation Once I could access the meter, it was time to get on my hands and knees and start the install. After a quick tutorial in the phone app, I secured the monitor to the side of the meter using the provided rubber strap.
My meter before installation is featured on the left, and after installation is on the right
Step 4: The Test I tested the connection by running the garden hose for a minute.
Success! The entire process took less than 30 minutes, and my rebate notice hit my email inbox just five minutes later. For me, it was a breeze—however, I know not everyone will have the same experience and some will need help.
Helping a Neighbor: Another Real-World Test and A Different Experience
The following day, I helped my father-in-law—who is in his 80s and lives about two miles away—install his device. His experience highlighted potential hurdles for some users:
Step 1: The App He struggled with setting up his credentials and registering the equipment. We hit a major snag with the registration QR code on the Flume device; it’s about the size of a quarter and proved nearly impossible for his iPhone to read. I had to take a photo of the QR code with my phone, zoom in, and scan that screen with the Flume app just to get it to register.
Step 2: The Meter Check Trying to open the meter box to check the meter was especially hard since it had an old style lid that was extra heavy (probably over 50 pounds). A picture of the lid is seem on the right. LADWP says there are a few different types of meter box lids and this style is uncommon. The small plastic tool provided by Flume broke immediately, so I had to use a screwdriver to pry open the center cover.
Once the box was open, he found that accessing the app tutorial was a challenge, as his meter box sat well outside the range of his home Wi-Fi.
Step 3: The Installation. Fortunately, once the box was open, the meter was clean and easy to access. After getting on my hands and knees, the install was simple.
Step 4: The Test Once installed, I ran the garden hose to test the unit. Everything was good to go—in fact, the refund email came through before we made it back to the front door.
Need help with your setup? You can find support via Flume’s website and app chat, or email the team directly at support@flumewater.com.
The Results: Eye-Opening Data
Once my Flume was installed, the data was immediate and eye-opening. I was floored to discover that my morning sprinklers used almost 250 gallons in just 45 minutes! I’ll definitely be checking that system for leaks and looking at the sprinkler heads.
The insights didn't stop with the sprinklers. I learned that while my evening shower used about 12 gallons, my kid’s shower used 23.4 gallons and lasted over 15 minutes. That is definitely going to be a topic of conversation at the dinner table!
Beyond monitoring daily habits, the Flume app can be configured to send high-flow alerts via email or phone. This means I'll be notified instantly if a faucet is left running or if there’s a pipe break. I am now aware of exactly where our water is going and have new tools to reduce our household water use.
Takeaway from My Flume Monitor Experience
While my experience with the Flume monitor was relatively smooth—aside from a stiff back and dirty pants—I recognize that this process isn't uniform. At OPA, we’ve heard from ratepayers who couldn’t find their meter boxes, let alone lift a 50-pound lid.
However, I have heard that my meter box lid was non-standard and most people shouldn't have much trouble with theirs. If you do have challenges with your meter box related to this program, LADWP encourages you to call 1-800-DIAL DWP and ask to be transferred to the Water Conservation team.
To the right you can see what a standard meter lid looks like.
Going Forward - My Take on What's Next
The Flume monitor is currently designed for single-family homes, though the need for this data is universal. For homeowners, the value is undeniable: seeing a leak in real-time or tracking exactly how much water a single sprinkler cycle uses is the first step toward real savings.
However, for the program to truly succeed, several barriers must be addressed:
Awareness: Many residents are simply unaware of LADWP’s cost-saving programs.
Accessibility: Language barriers and physical limitations can make installation difficult for many Angelenos.
Outreach: Success will require "leaning in" through direct community engagement and enhanced installation support.
As LADWP transitions to smart technology, this level of data should become the standard for everyone. For now, I’m excited to see what Flume reveals for my own household and I hope more neighbors take advantage of the program.
Do you have a Flume story of your own? If so, email us and let us know at opa@lacity.org