Hot Springs Combats Aging Infrastructure Challenges With Xylem Digital Solutions

Hot Springs, Arkansas, has tackled aging water infrastructure and high non-revenue water (NRW) loss by embracing digital transformation. With a 143-year-old system spread across rocky terrain, traditional leak detection proved difficult. Starting in 2011, the city deployed Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) using Sensus iPERL meters and the FlexNet communication network to enable real-time system monitoring. This upgrade allowed the utility to identify and fix a massive leak of nearly 4 million gallons per day. To enhance leak detection, the city added 30 mobile acoustic listening devices that transmit pipeline flow data overnight when noise is low.

The results have been dramatic: NRW dropped from 44% to 24%, with a goal to reach 20% within a year and ultimately 10–12%. The city further improved performance by implementing virtual District Metering Areas (DMAs) through Xylem Vue, enabling precise detection of high-loss zones. One DMA led to the discovery of a leaking fire hydrant losing 2,000 gallons per hour. By combining AMI, acoustic monitoring, and advanced analytics, Hot Springs has not only reduced costs but also bolstered customer service and water security—setting a benchmark for how digital tools can modernize municipal utilities.