News | June 7, 2012

Sensus Composite Water Meters Offer Utilities Zero-Lead Alternative

All Meters Exceed Current and Pending Regulations for Lead

Compliance with current and future zero-lead legislation is a goal that water utilities can achieve with ease. Sensus, a leading utility infrastructure company, has created a new standard in the industry with zero-lead meter additions to its AquaSense smart water solution. The composite water meters meet all guidelines and are stronger and more durable than traditional bronze meters.

The Sensus lead-free composite line was implemented years ahead of regulatory requirements.

The company launched composite meters in Europe in 2005 and then established itself as a leader in addressing lead-related concerns in the U.S. by introducing the zero-lead iPERL and accuSTREAM residential meters in 2010.

The pending Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act reduces the lead limit from 8 percent to 0.25 percent for wetted surfaces of pipe, pipe fittings and plumbing fittings and fixtures and to 0.2 percent for solder and flux. Regulations go into effect on January 4, 2014.

“Composites are just another way that Sensus is helping utilities employ innovative technologies to create smart water networks,” said Doug McCall, director of marketing at Sensus. “Composite meters are not only a zero-lead choice, but they are more energy efficient to manufacture and ship compared to bronze alternatives.”

Composite alloys are made from a blend of plastic and fiberglass and have greatly surpassed all durability and strength standards and resist corrosion from chemicals used to make water drinkable. In addition to improving the strength characteristics of products, composite materials are not susceptible to fluctuating copper prices.   

“At Sensus, we believe everyone deserves access to safe, clean water and we continually develop and deliver products that meet the highest standards for quality, reliability and accuracy to ensure accessibility toand conservation of this most critical resource,” said McCall. “Technologies like composite meters also help water utilities meet their sustainability goals without sacrificing dependability.”

Composite metrology products from Sensus comply with and exceed the requirements set by The Safe Drinking Water Act and NSF 61 /ANSI Standard 61 Annex F and G by containing zero lead. These meters also comply with the EPA’s ultimate contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water, which is set at zero. By using alternative materials that contain zero lead, Sensus and its customers will continue to be in compliance with all future changes to the NSF standards and government laws regarding lead.

About Sensus
Sensus is a leading utility infrastructure company offering smart meters, communication systems, software and services for the electric, gas, and water industries. Sensus technology helps utilities drive operational efficiency and customer engagement with applications that include advanced meter reading, data acquisition, demand response, distribution automation, home area networking and outdoor lighting control. Customers worldwide trust the innovation, quality and reliability of Sensus solutions for the intelligent use and conservation of energy and water. For more information, visit www.sensus.com.

SOURCE: Sensus