Portsmouth Water has awarded two contracts to Cappagh for the installation and commissioning of smart water meters and associated infrastructure works in the city, set to roll out from August 2025 to 2030, with a potential extension to 2035.

The contracts, valued at £136.5m ($183.7m), signify a major investment in sustainable water supply and environmental protection, the company said.

The contracts will commence on 1 August and are integral to Portsmouth Water's Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP8), which extends into the subsequent AMP9 period.

The collaboration between Portsmouth Water and utility contractor Cappagh will involve a co-location of staff at Portsmouth Water’s headquarters in Havant, England.

By 2030, the initiative aims to install 170,000 new smart water meters in the region, with the goal of equipping all of the company's customers with smart meters by 2033.

These meters reportedly improve leak detection capabilities and empower customers to monitor and manage their water consumption more effectively.

Meanwhile, Cappagh's role in the infrastructure programme encompasses the renewal of water mains, laying new mains for service connections at development sites within the supply area, and customer-requested smart water meter installations.

Additionally, the contract covers network maintenance, repairs, and the restoration of surfaces post-work, ensuring a full-service approach to infrastructure upgrades.

Portsmouth Water CEO Bob Taylor said: “Our business plan for the five-year AMP8 period is ambitious. We’re delivering our largest ever investment programme to ensure our customers continue to receive a high-quality, reliable and affordable supply of water, despite the challenges of climate change and population growth.

"These two contracts awarded to Cappagh are a critical part of these plans and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver these vital investments over the coming years."