Next Hydrus Water Meter

Overview

Next Hydrus ultrasonic water meter with brass connections and an open register lid

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

What is the Next Hydrus?

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.

What sizes are available?

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.

How accurate is the Next Hydrus?

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").

What is the maximum pressure the Next Hydrus can withstand?

The Next Hydrus is rated for up to 300 PSI maximum operating pressure. The Specifications document includes a pressure loss chart for each size.

Is the Next Hydrus lead-free and NSF certified?

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

Where can the Next Hydrus be installed?

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.

What water and ambient temperatures does the Next Hydrus support?
  • 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

Which Next Meters devices work with the Next Hydrus?

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.

What alerts does the Next Hydrus report?

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
What does the Next Hydrus display show?

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.

How much data does the Next Hydrus store?

The Next Hydrus keeps 42 days of hourly consumption and alert data on board, which helps with dispute resolution and usage investigations.

What is the battery life of the Next Hydrus?

Two 3.6 VDC lithium batteries power the Next Hydrus for up to 20 years.

Warranty

What does the Next Hydrus warranty cover?

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.

What isn't covered by the warranty?

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.

How do I make a warranty claim?

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.

How do I get additional help?

For additional information or assistance, visit our Support Center or contact our Product Support Team:

Due to updated regulations and product improvements, Next Meters reserves the right to change the product specifications without notice.