News Release: March 2, 2026 - City of Toronto to begin replacing water meter transmission units in April
The City of Toronto will launch a three-year program beginning in April 2026 to replace all 470,000 water meter transmission units (MTUs) for Toronto Water customers. MTUs are small devices attached to water meters that automatically send water-use readings to the City for billing purposes. These devices are failing earlier than expected in municipalities across North America. Replacing all units – including those that haven’t failed yet but are over a few years old – will ensure customers continue to receive accurate and up-to-date water bills.
Water meters themselves are still functioning properly and continue to record water use accurately. However, when an MTU fails, the City no longer automatically receives that water-usage data. When this happens, the City issues estimated bills based on a property’s past consumption until an actual water meter reading is obtained or the transmitter is replaced.
The replacement program will roll out by geographic zones starting in April 2026 and continue through 2028. Neptune Technology Group, the contractor hired by the City to complete the work, will contact customers directly with instructions on how to book an appointment. Customers can check which zone their property is in, the estimated replacement timeline for their zone, and steps to take once their zone becomes active at toronto.ca/MTUreplacement.
Customers who are currently on estimated billing will continue to receive estimated bills until they submit actual meter reading or their MTU is replaced.
After the MTU has been successfully replaced and transmission of accurate meter readings resume, customers will receive a standalone bill up to the day their MTU was replaced. Some customers who were on estimated billing may see an adjustment on this bill to reflect their actual water use. Future bills will be based on actual water use. Updated bills will generally be issued four to six weeks after actual water-use data is received, and customers will be moved off estimated billing.
Support available includes:
For more information or assistance, please call 311 and select option #1 to be connected to the dedicated water billing support line Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Customers on estimated billing, including those with a failed Meter Transmission Unit (MTU), can submit a water meter reading online through the Utility Account Lookup tool. Customers who receive a meter reading request notification letter or email may submit a manual meter reading. Click here to find out more about how to submit a water meter reading.
The City of Toronto has contracted Neptune Technology Group (Neptune) to replace failing Water Meter Transmission Units (MTUs) across the City of Toronto.
For more information, including, on how to verify the identity of the Neptune technician please visit website at toronto.ca/MTUreplacement.
The replacement program is being rolled out by geographic zone beginning in April 2026 and expected to continue through 2028. Before MTU replacements begin in a specific zone, customers will receive a letter from the City of Toronto advising that Neptune Technology Group (Neptune), the City of Toronto’s authorized contractor, is expected to begin work in the area within approximately two to three months. Shortly thereafter, customers will receive a letter from Neptune advising that appointments are now available and providing instructions on how to book an MTU replacement appointment. If a customer does not book an appointment after receiving the Neptune letter, reminder letters and a door hanger will be issued in the following weeks. Customers cannot book an appointment until they receive the Neptune letter. Once the Neptune letter is received, customer should follow the instructions provided to book their appointment.
For more information, please visit toronto.ca/MTUreplacement.
The City of Toronto has developed an operational plan to replace all 470,000 meter transmission units (MTUs) across the city over a three-year period. The replacement program is being rolled out by geographic zone beginning in April 2026 and expected to continue through 2028. Customers can check which zone their property is in, the estimated replacement timeline for their zone, steps to take once their zone becomes active, and find additional program information at toronto.ca/MTUreplacement.