By Kathryn Kretschmer-Weyland
July 19, 2010

Many municipalities are implementing fixed-network meter-reading systems to automatically collect and transmit water-meter reading to the water utility. Often these systems are justified as a cost-effective and safe alternative to meter readers.

However, municipal water companies are finding that the data from fixed-network systems is even more important in helping them better serve their customers, providing a well-rounded view of how people are actually using water.

Historically, water companies read meters once a quarter, sending personnel out to physically record the meter readings. Drive-by solutions improve the efficiency of the process, but do not significantly increase the amount of data provided to the utility.

Fixed-network systems, which take readings up to once an hour, provide a massive amount of data to the utility. It is important that city officials understand how this data can be used effectively.

Customer service representatives are a group that makes good use of the information provided by fixed-network systems. They can quickly resolve high-bill inquiries and account questions by providing information to customers about their hourly usage. Often, when customers are offered details about when they used water they remember an event, such as filling a pool or watering a garden, which may have caused increased usage.

Utilities can also present usage to customers on web sites, allowing them to more closely monitor themselves and make informed conservation decisions. Cities such as Boston and Ann Arbor (MI) already provide daily usage rates for customers online, for example.

Utilities also can use the data from fixed-network meter-reading systems to manage and enforce conservation efforts. For example, in drought areas where water bans are in effect utilities often send enforcement officials out to patrol neighborhoods to spot people misusing water. Utilities can eliminate patrols by analyzing data from fixed-network systems to identify patterns that might indicate water being used at the wrong times.

Comprehensive consumption data also allows a utility to better manage meter data, track trends, monitor water losses, and detect tampering and equipment damage. Water losses for utilities can be significant, with some systems losing up to 40 percent through theft, leaks, breaks, and other service disruptions. Data from fixed-network meter-reading systems can simplify the identification of possible sources of non-revenue water.

Fixed-network meter-reading solutions such as those from Aclara RF Systems Inc., a U.S. Conference of Mayors platinum partner, can do more than replace meter readers. These systems are worth their weight in gold when it comes to providing the information needed to really understand and manage water usage. For more information, contact Kathryn Kretschmer-Weyland with the Conference of Mayors at 301-460-5251 or send e-mail to kweyland@usmayors.org. To reach Aclara directly, contact Ike Moss, Vice-President of Municipal Sales, at 216-308-9662 or at imoss@aclara.com.