Southend Launches Digital Network for Smart Water Meters and Improved Services

Southend-on-Sea City Council has introduced a new digital network to support smart water meters and enhance local services without installing additional masts.

The LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) allows low-power sensors to transmit data over long distances without relying on mobile or Wi-Fi networks. Built on a 280km full-fibre network, it will provide free access for public services for 15 years while also supporting community hubs and digital inclusion initiatives.

The system aims to improve service efficiency by enabling early flood detection, air quality monitoring, and support for vulnerable residents. Two networks are involved—one managed by the council for public sector use, and another operated by Connexin, a tech firm collaborating with Essex and Suffolk Water on a smart metering program.

Originally, Connexin planned to install 260 new masts but will now use existing streetlight poles and share the council’s network capacity to minimize disruption.

The smart water meters should help detect leaks faster, improve billing accuracy, and reduce water waste. Essex and Suffolk Water aims to install one million such meters across the region by 2035.

Residents will have access to a free app to monitor water usage, potentially lowering bills and conserving resources.