DEWA To Implement Cubic Metre As Standard Measurement For Water Consumption By March 2025
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plans to switch to the cubic metre for water consumption measurement from March 2025. This change follows Cabinet Resolution No. (85) of 2023 and Ministerial Resolution No. (43) of 2024, which require the UAE to stop using the imperial gallon in water meters.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, stated, "We are committed to adhering to local and international regulations to ensure our services meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, reliability and availability. Adopting the cubic metre as a uniform and globally recognised measurement unit, rather than the imperial gallon, is a significant step towards enhancing alignment with international best practices. This transition will facilitate benchmarking across sectors, support our efforts to provide world-class services and enhance DEWA’s leadership in innovation and sustainability, ultimately benefiting customers and stakeholders."

The smart meters currently used by customers are already compatible with cubic metres. Therefore, no meter changes will be necessary. During the transition phase, DEWA will display both cubic metres and gallons on water bills and customer dashboards.
DEWA aims for a smooth transition by including both units on bills until March 2025. Customers will receive notifications about this change through official channels. This approach ensures that users are well-informed ahead of the final adoption date.
This shift aligns DEWA with global standards and supports its commitment to innovation and sustainability. By adopting a universally recognised unit, DEWA enhances its service quality while maintaining compliance with international norms.
The decision reflects DEWA's dedication to providing reliable services that meet high-quality benchmarks. The move also supports benchmarking across various sectors within the UAE.
With inputs from WAM