A communication radio for a water meter includes an antenna housing, a bracket integrally connected to the antenna housing, and an electronics housing pivotably connected to the bracket. A water meter assembly includes a water meter box having a lid with an inner surface, an outer surface and a hole formed in the lid, a water meter disposed in the water meter box, and a communication radio. The communication radio includes an antenna housing disposed on the outer surface of the lid, a bracket disposed on the inner surface of the lid and fixedly connected to the antenna housing through the hole, and an electronics housing connected to the bracket inside the water meter box in a pivotable manner for preventing contact between the electronics housing and the water meter.