Mueller Systems Enhances 2-Way AMI With Automated Leak Detection

Latest Offering is Expected to Enable Water Main Leak Detection From the Office

Denver, CO (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Mueller Systems will soon offer utilities the ability to remotely detect and monitor water distribution main leaks through its latest advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) feature—Automated Leak Detection (ALD). Mueller Systems introduced ALD at the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE13) in Denver, Colorado.

ALD integrates acoustic-based leak detection technology from Echologics with the Mi.Net® Mueller infrastructure network, Mueller Systems' fixed, two-way AMI network for utilities that fully automates the meter reading-to-billing process and provides remote access to real-time information, such as meter readings, alarm conditions and historical usage data. Both Mueller Systems and Echologics are divisions of Mueller Co., a leading innovator and provider of water distribution products and services. Echologics pioneered the development of a proprietary, acoustic-based system, known as LeakFinderRT™, which can be used in the field to non-invasively locate distribution main leaks with accuracy that exceeds normal standards without breaking ground or inserting tools into the water system.

As the only two-way AMI solution that incorporates components of LeakFinderRT, ALD should enable utilities to accurately detect and locate distribution main leaks—from their office—using laptops, smartphones and other web-enabled devices. This capability can help utilities more intelligently reduce non-revenue water while prioritizing and conducting repair projects by detecting leaks without using field crews, excavating potential leak sites or resorting to other costly and time consuming tasks normally associated with traditional leak detection methods.

"By integrating technology into water infrastructure, we are giving utilities the ability to access data they can use to make educated decisions that improve the way they manage their water systems, conserve water and serve customers," said Hassan Ali, vice president and general manager of Mueller Systems. "Our automated leak detection offering is a result of an advantage that few, if any, technology companies have—access to the expertise of Mueller Co., a brand synonymous with innovation that helps water utilities overcome the various challenges they face."

The main component of ALD is Mi.Logger™—a radio frequency transceiver featuring Echologics' sensors and algorithms housed in a cast-iron or high-density plastic enclosure that replaces the pumper nozzle caps of wet and dry barrel fire hydrants throughout a utility's service area. The Mi.Logger receivers collect acoustic data from pipelines before generating and wirelessly transmitting reports containing the data to the Mi.Net System's host software component—Mi.Host™. Detected leaks, bursts, low flow and hydrant tampering can be viewed by utility workers online through the Mi.Host user interface, which is integrated with ESRI GIS Mapping software. Workers can view the sizes and locations of leaks to determine whether or not immediate repairs need to be made, and they can compare collected data to reports transmitted by other Mi.Loggers to rule out false leak alarms.

ALD is the latest in a series of enhancements to the Mi.Net system that optimize utilities' water system management capabilities. Previously added features include Mi.Data, a web-based portal that helps consumers conserve water and save money by allowing them to monitor their household water usage online, and the 420 Remote Disconnect Meter (RDM), a fully integrated RDM that enables utilities to remotely connect and disconnect water services through the Mi.Net System's two-way network. ALD is expected to be commercially available in 2014.

Mueller Systems, Echologics and Mueller Co. are subsidiaries of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA), a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of products and services that are used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water.

Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, plan, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make concerning the date by which ALD will be commercially available. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the other factors that are described in the section entitled "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1A of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

About Mueller Systems
Mueller Systems offers a full line of residential, fire line and commercial meters, AMR/AMI systems and related products. Mueller Systems provides Smart Metering solutions to optimize the delivery and use of water and energy. Municipalities that supply water, electricity or gas—or any combination of the three services—need innovative ways to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, conserve water and energy, and improve customer service. The Mi.Net® Mueller Infrastructure Network for Utilities from Mueller Systems meets that need. For more information about Mueller Systems, please visit the Company's website at www.muellersystems.com.

About Mueller Water Products, Inc.
Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA) is a leading manufacturer and marketer of products and services used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water. Our broad product and service portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, metering products and systems, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. We help municipalities increase operational efficiencies, improve customer service and prioritize capital spending, demonstrating why Mueller Water Products is Where Intelligence Meets Infrastructure™. The piping component systems produced by Anvil help build connections that last in commercial, industrial and oil & gas applications. Visit us at www.muellerwaterproducts.com.

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