An intelligent solution

By Ian Macleod

Ian Macleod reveals how automated meter reading technologies can make a real difference to our water footprint.

As the population continues to rise, water becomes an increasingly valuable resource. How can new technologies help utilities and their customers to preserve this resource?

Ian Macleod. New technologies help create new understanding regarding how and where we use water. People can’t manage what they don’t measure, nor will consumption behavior change without greater clarity of usage trends. Advanced measurement, collection and management technologies bridge the gap between perception and reality of our water footprint.

New Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technologies provide utilities a powerful conservation tool in how they manage water preservation – rather than just demanding less water usage, they now can definitively show where and how. Data can be made accessible in near real-time via the internet for daily water budgeting or zip code comparison of one’s personal usage vs. their peers. This brings out the competitive spirit in everyone to preserve water and cut waste.

Leaks are a constant threat to water loss. Leak detection, system balancing, precise zonal measurement (DMA/DMZ) are all possible today and many utilities are making leak alerts available in real-time via SMS text message or email for immediate action.

What data collection challenges exist in suburban and rural areas? What solutions exist to overcome these challenges?

IM. Every landscape offers a unique data collection challenge. The good news is that technologies now exist for every situation facing utilities. Densely populated areas may be more suitable for a fixed network system. A mobile drive-by system works in almost every environment and can offer much of the advanced functionality of fixed network. UAV drone technology outfitted with meter data collection electronics is now available and most suited for wide open sprawling rural areas normally requiring great distances and time to capture perhaps very few reads.

The key for true success is a hybrid framework allowing utilities to pick and chose simultaneous technologies for their specific requirements.

A concern for some utilities in employing innovative solutions can center around ease of use. How important is it that any new system be user-friendly and simple to deploy?

IM. This is a major concern and focus for technology developers. Utilities now enjoy unprecedented assured delivery of real consumption. Yet, fighting the water loss battle is akin to military conflict – data is only as good as it is actionable.

Intuitive, well-conceived and highly user-friendly software transforms raw meter data into something actionable. In what sector is water pumped vs. consumed out of balance? What is our overnight non-revenue water? Where are the major water main leaks occurring? Smart software brings insightful awareness to threats on the utility bottom line, provides a context for improved customer service relations, and helps pinpoint areas for improving operational efficiency.

What impact can new technologies such as these have on utilities’ bottom line? Do they provide genuine ROI?

IM. ROI impact is very evident, measurable and present across several operation areas within utilities. ROI is achieved most demonstrably through redirecting existing resources. AMR meter reading technology creates operational efficiency. Personnel can now cross train and engage aggressive meter testing and repair programs, customer service related activities and conservation programs without adding people to the payroll.

Water treatment costs big bucks. Chemicals and electricity gets expensive even if water is abundant and cheap. The cheapest source of new water is to preserve what you already hold. ROI is quickly achieved when utilities can identify and target leaks and keep water from seeping into the abyss. Synchronized meter readings alert utilities to water loss and imbalance issues, and depending on the AMR platform utilized, narrow the search for the leaks into specific sectors so action can be quickly taken.

AMR technology packs power in the conservation punch insofar that people are empowered with actionable information to make real differences thus leveraging money already spent on public outreach campaigns.

Biography

Industry expert Ian Macleod, VP of Marketing for Master Meter, Inc., also serves as an advisor for key industry conferences. Master Meter is a Principal North American water meter manufacturer and leading AMR/AMI technology innovator.