Overview
Lead-free ultrasonic water meter for 5/8" through 2" services.
The Next Hydrus is a highly accurate, lead-free ultrasonic smart water meter for residential, commercial, and industrial installations.
Nothing moves, nothing wears
Ultrasonic measurement gives the Next Hydrus an operating range that starts as low as 0.08 GPM and stays within ±1.5% accuracy across the full range. With no moving parts, it's built to hold that performance for the long haul.
Fits the pit you already have
Horizontal, vertical, upside down, or tight against a wall: orientation doesn't matter to the Next Hydrus. Sizes run from 5/8" through 2" on standard lay lengths, so retrofits drop in without re-plumbing.
A meter that speaks up
Every Next Hydrus watches for trouble on its own and reports nine alert types. It keeps 42 days of hourly consumption history on board for dispute resolution and usage investigations, with temperature and diagnostics information available alongside the read.
Twenty years of quiet service
Two 3.6 VDC lithium cells power the meter for up to 20 years, and a 9-digit LCD shows totalized volume, live flow, and active alerts right at the lid.
Need a meter for a 2" through 8" line or a fire service? See the Next Hydrus Bulk.
Key benefits
- Extreme low-flow accuracy and long-term measurement stability
- Integrated leak detection
- Mountable in any installation position
- Lead-free body
- IP68 rated
- 42 days of hourly data storage
- Communication protocol includes temperature, alerts, error messages, and more
- Works with the NC5 NextConnect, TR4-X and TR4 Transceivers, and RR4 and RR4-TR Remote Readers
- 20-year limited warranty on 5/8" through 1" sizes; 10-year on 1 1/2" and 2"
Specifications
Performance
| Accuracy | ±1.5% across the operating flow range ±5% across the low flow range |
|---|---|
| Flow range | Registers flow as low as 0.011 GPM (5/8" sizes) Up to 170 GPM (2" size) |
| Operating pressure | Up to 300 PSI maximum |
Connectivity
| Encoder output | 9-digit programmable resolution; industry standard protocol |
|---|---|
| ASCII output | Compatible with most AMR/AMI systems |
| Encoded data | Temperature information, alerts, and error messages |
| Works with | NC5 NextConnect TR4-X and TR4 Transceivers RR4 and RR4-TR Remote Readers |
Data & Display
| Data storage | 42 days of hourly consumption and alert data |
|---|---|
| Display | 9-digit LCD with additional symbols, display counter, and unit indicators |
| Units | gpm, gal, ft³, m³ |
| Displayed values | Display test; total volume; firmware version and checksum; current flow; errors and alerts Additional values based on configuration |
Alerts
| Alert types | Hardware flow Leak detection Backflow Air in pipe Low battery Undersized meter No consumption High temperature Freezing risk |
|---|
Physical and power
| Battery | Two 3.6 VDC lithium batteries Battery life up to 20 years |
|---|---|
| Register size | 3.5" long x 3.7" wide (all sizes) |
| Measuring pipe | Lead-free copper alloy (5/8" through 1") Stainless steel (1 1/2" and 2") |
| Other materials | Register housing: engineered polymer Transducers: composite Reflectors: stainless steel |
Environment
| Protection | IP68; suitable for submerged installations |
|---|---|
| Installation position | Any position |
| Water temperature | 33°F to 122°F | 0.6°C to 50°C |
| Ambient temperature | Operating: -13°F to 131°F | -25°C to 55°C Storage: -13°F to 158°F | -25°C to 70°C Storage above 95°F | 35°C limited to 4 weeks |
Certifications
| Approvals | Meets or exceeds applicable sections of AWWA/ANSI C715 NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 & 372, Annex F/G FCC Part 15 B |
|---|
Warranty
| Coverage | 5/8" through 1": 20-year limited warranty 1 1/2" and 2": 10-year limited warranty |
|---|
Sizes & Flow Rates
| Size | 5/8" x 1/2" | 5/8" x 3/4" | 3/4" S | 3/4" | 1" | 1 1/2" | 2" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection | 3/4" - 14 NPSM | 1" - 11 1/2 NPSM | 1" - 11 1/2 NPSM | 1" - 11 1/2 NPSM | 1 1/4" - 11 1/2 NPSM | Oval flanges | Oval flanges |
| Lay length | 7 1/2" | 7 1/2" | 7 1/2" | 9" | 10 3/4" | 13" | 17" |
| Operating flow (GPM) | 0.08 - 22 | 0.08 - 22 | 0.1 - 32 | 0.1 - 32 | 0.1 - 55 | 0.16 - 100 | 0.8 - 170 |
| Low flow (GPM) | 0.025 - 0.08 | 0.025 - 0.08 | 0.04 - 0.1 | 0.04 - 0.1 | 0.055 - 0.1 | 0.1 - 0.16 | 0.55 - 0.8 |
| Starting flow (GPM) | 0.011 | 0.011 | 0.017 | 0.017 | 0.025 | 0.038 | 0.11 |
Dimensions
| Size | 5/8" x 1/2" | 5/8" x 3/4" | 3/4" S | 3/4" | 1" | 1 1/2" | 2" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 4.0" | 4.0" | 4.0" | 4.0" | 4.2" | 5.3" | 5.8" |
| Centerline to top | 2.7" | 2.7" | 2.7" | 2.7" | 2.8" | 3.3" | 3.3" |
| Net weight | 2.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 3.1 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 14.1 lbs | 19.2 lbs |
FAQ
General
The Next Hydrus is a lead-free ultrasonic smart water meter for residential, commercial, and industrial installations, available in sizes from 5/8" through 2". It measures flow with ultrasonic technology and has no moving parts, so its accuracy doesn't wear down over time.
The Next Hydrus comes in seven sizes on standard lay lengths:
- 5/8" x 1/2": 3/4" - 14 NPSM connection, 7 1/2" lay length
- 5/8" x 3/4": 1" - 11 1/2 NPSM connection, 7 1/2" lay length
- 3/4" S (5/8" x 3/4"): 1" - 11 1/2 NPSM connection, 7 1/2" lay length
- 3/4": 1" - 11 1/2 NPSM connection, 9" lay length
- 1": 1 1/4" - 11 1/2 NPSM connection, 10 3/4" lay length
- 1 1/2": oval flanges, 13" lay length
- 2": oval flanges, 17" lay length
For 2" through 8" lines, or for fire service, see the Next Hydrus Bulk.
The Next Hydrus stays within ±1.5% across its operating flow range and ±5% across its low flow range. The 5/8" sizes register flow as low as 0.011 GPM. See Sizes & Flow Rates for the ranges of each size.
The Next Hydrus meets or exceeds the applicable sections of AWWA/ANSI C715, and its warranty covers C715 Type II accuracy for 20 years (5/8" through 1") or 10 years (1 1/2" and 2").
The Next Hydrus is rated for up to 300 PSI maximum operating pressure. The Specifications document includes a pressure loss chart for each size.
Yes. The Next Hydrus has a lead-free body and complies with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 & 372, Annex F/G. Its warranty also covers the meter housing being free from lead.
Installation
The Next Hydrus can be mounted in any position: horizontal, vertical, upside down, or tight against a wall. It's IP68 rated and suitable for submerged installations, such as flooded pits.
Each size uses a standard lay length, so it can replace an existing meter without re-plumbing.
Note
Install the meter as described in the installation manual and Next Meters' written instructions. Meters that aren't installed, operated, and stored as specified, or that are used with anything other than potable water, aren't covered by the warranty.
- Potable water: 33°F to 122°F | 0.6°C to 50°C
- Ambient (operating): -13°F to 131°F | -25°C to 55°C
- Ambient (storage): -13°F to 158°F | -25°C to 70°C
Storage above 95°F | 35°C is limited to a maximum of 4 weeks.
Data & Alerts
The Next Hydrus works with these Next Meters devices:
The meter has a 9-digit encoder output with programmable resolution that uses an industry standard protocol, plus an ASCII output for compatibility with most other AMR/AMI systems. The encoded output also carries temperature information, alerts, and error messages, so they're available alongside the read.
The Next Hydrus watches for trouble on its own and reports nine alert types:
- Hardware flow
- Leak detection
- Backflow
- Air in pipe
- Low battery
- Undersized meter
- No consumption
- High temperature
- Freezing risk
The 9-digit LCD shows a display test, total volume, firmware version and checksum, current flow, and errors and alerts, with additional values based on configuration. Flow and volume can be shown in gpm, gal, ft³, or m³.
The Next Hydrus keeps 42 days of hourly consumption and alert data on board, which helps with dispute resolution and usage investigations.
Two 3.6 VDC lithium batteries power the Next Hydrus for up to 20 years.
Warranty
The Next Hydrus, including its electronics, battery, transducers, and register, is warranted to meet its specifications and be free from defects in material and workmanship at delivery, and its housing is warranted to be free from lead. The warranty period and remedy depend on the size, and start from the date of delivery.
5/8" through 1" sizes: 20 years
- Years 1–5: Next Meters repairs or replaces the meter free of charge and covers reasonable removal and installation costs
- Years 6–10: Next Meters repairs or replaces the meter free of charge; you pay removal and installation costs
- Years 11–14: a replacement meter at 60% off the current list price
- Years 15–17: a replacement meter at 40% off the current list price
- Years 18–20: a replacement meter at 20% off the current list price
1 1/2" and 2" sizes: 10 years
- Years 1–3: Next Meters repairs or replaces the meter free of charge and covers reasonable removal and installation costs
- Years 4–10: Next Meters repairs or replaces the meter free of charge; you pay removal and installation costs
See the full 20-Year Limited Warranty (5/8" through 1") or 10-Year Limited Warranty (1 1/2" and 2") for terms and exclusions.
The warranty doesn't apply to meters that were:
- Repaired, modified, or tampered with without Next Meters' written approval
- Not installed, operated, stored, or maintained according to the specifications and Next Meters' instructions
- Connected to or combined with another product without approval, or used with anything other than potable water, or with water containing dirt, debris, or deposits
- Damaged by vandalism, accidents, chemical contamination, physical impact, or events beyond Next Meters' control
The warranty applies only to the original customer and isn't transferable.
Claims go through a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process. Within the warranty period, email warranty@nextmeters.com with the product name, serial number, the specific defect, any other relevant details, and your contact information. Include a copy of the proof of purchase and the delivery note.
Don't send the meter back until Next Meters asks for it. If asked, ship the defective Next Hydrus at your expense to the location Next Meters designates. Meters received before you've notified Next Meters, or before a shipment request, won't be evaluated. Next Meters ships repaired or replacement meters back at its expense.
If you don't include test results that follow AWWA standards and the Hydrus Testing Instruction, Next Meters may test the meter at your expense. If Next Meters finds the claim isn't covered, you'll be asked to reimburse its costs for testing, repair, replacement, and shipping.
Questions? Email warranty@nextmeters.com or call (844) 538-8203.
For additional information or assistance, visit our Support Center or contact our Product Support Team:
- support.nextmeters.com
- (844) 538-8203
- support@nextmeters.com