This RCT study, funded by UNICEF and commissioned by Momentum, explores the feasibility of scaling up water meter installations in the urban union councils of Swat district. Following a baseline study in January 2023, the end-line study assesses the impact of a pilot project initiated by the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Swat, where water meters were installed in 776 households across two union councils. Using a counterfactual method, the study compares households with meters (treatment group) to those without meters (control group) to evaluate changes in water usage, conservation practices, and financial outcomes over a six-month period.

Steps in Conducting the Study

1. Baseline Data Collection: Conducted in January 2023, the baseline study involved sampling 100 households with water meters and 100 without, to establish initial data on water usage, storage practices, and financial impacts.
2. Counterfactual Method Application: Households were divided into treatment (with meters) and control (without meters) groups, enabling a comparative analysis.
3. End-Line Data Collection: In July 2023, six months after the baseline, data was collected from 200 metered households and 100 non-metered households to assess any changes.
4. Water Source and Usage Analysis: The study analyzed primary water sources, usage patterns, and storage practices in both metered and non-metered households.
5. Financial Impact Assessment: Changes in water bills were evaluated, particularly reductions in water expenditure among metered households.
6. Household Satisfaction and Meter Effectiveness: The study assessed satisfaction with water meter readings and the perceived effectiveness of meters in monitoring water usage and managing bills.
7. Willingness to Install Meters: The study also measured the willingness of non-metered households to install water meters, comparing results between the baseline and end-line.ConclusionThe end-line study provides critical insights into the impact of water meter installation on household water usage, financial savings, and overall satisfaction in Swat’s urban union councils. The findings highlight the potential for scaling up water metering as an effective strategy for improving water conservation and revenue collection. With an increased willingness among non-metered households to adopt meters, the study emphasizes the importance of expanding this initiative to enhance water management in the region.