Moving Beyond Flow Measurement To Unlock Utility Efficiency

Modern water utilities are facing unprecedented challenges, requiring them to do more with fewer resources. Regulations are tightening, infrastructure is aging, budgets are constrained, and there’s a shortage of skilled workers. Smart meters now offer an opportunity to address these pressures by going beyond basic flow measurement. Equipped with additional sensors for temperature, pressure, water quality, and even acoustic leak detection, these meters provide a multi-parameter approach that strengthens leak detection, boosts network efficiency, and supports informed decision-making. Although these advanced meters come at a higher initial cost, they allow utilities to accomplish significantly more with fewer devices. By tapping into this expanded data, utilities can reduce operational costs, improve response times, and support sustainable, long-term system performance. However, just having the data isn’t enough—operators need to know how to interpret and use this visibility to enhance maintenance management and ensure reliable service delivery across the network.