For some months now, the issue of garden water meters has been causing considerable uncertainty among citizens. This was preceded by an amendment to the statutes, according to which the Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE) will no longer replace garden water meters itself in future, but only garden water meters installed by specialist companies that have been authorised and approved by the WSE may be installed.
The delayed information about new regulations, the associated increased costs and the resulting uncertainty when it comes to billing have taken many citizens by surprise. The member municipalities of the WSE are therefore in favour of pragmatic transitional solutions that focus on protecting consumer interests. The municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin also supports a citizen-centred solution.
This topic affects many households and we would like to inform you here about the current status regarding the use of garden water meters.
What was decided?
At the last association meeting of the WSE on 11 June 2025, a majority vote was taken:
- Garden water meters, including those with an expired calibration period, are to be temporarily recognised for billing in 2025.
- For the time being, the WSE will not take any measures to ask customers to replace meters that are no longer calibrated.
- At the next association meeting, the association chairman will present proposals on how the handling of meters can be made simpler and more customer-friendly in future.
What is the legal situation?
The decision was objected to by the head of the WSE association, as the current legal situation stipulates that only calibrated water meters may be used for billing purposes. Reference is made here to the Measurement and Verification Act, which excludes such recognition. It now has to be decided whether a justified exception is warranted.
What does this mean for you?
The situation is still uncertain. At the upcoming association meeting, the WSE will decide on the complaint of the association's chairman and consider concrete proposals for solutions to limit the bureaucratic and financial burden for consumers. However, final clarification of the long-term regulation is still pending. We will keep you informed here.
Which always applies regardless of this:
Our drinking water is a precious resource that everyone can still afford. We should utilise every opportunity to use it sparingly. Use rain barrels and cisterns for watering your garden. If possible, think about utilising service water and redesigning your planting to be climate-friendly.
Please note: the municipality of Rüdersdorf bei Berlin is generally not permitted to offer legal advice, not even for questions relating to the WSE. The purpose of this summary is to bring transparency to the current state of discussions in the municipality. The final communication and the legally binding information are the responsibility of the WSE.