The benefits of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) are well known in the water industry, but the public is not as aware of what AMI has to offer. With that in mind, industry experts are looking for ways to educate customers about the value provided by AMI.
Bentley’s WaterGEMS Helps Identify and Prioritize Solutions, Including Implementing 43 Metering and Control Zones
A Q&A with Gary Wong, chairman of the SWAN North American Alliance
As consumer buy-in is critical to the success of advanced metering infrastructure, so is behavioral science in guiding utilities’ engagement efforts around the technology.
Clayton was plagued with exceptionally high non-revenue water rates in the 50 percent range. The city attributed the problem to leaks in its water system (parts of which have been in place the 1920s) that are exasperated by high pressure levels needed to pump water to more than 3200 service connections throughout Clayton’s mountainous terrain located 2200ft above sea level.
Beyond the existential philosophy implications, the consequences of a pipeline leaking in a forest when no one is around highlight the desirability of leak detection systems in water distribution utilities as a whole. As the following experiences show, leak detection can have its entertaining side. On the other side of the coin, however, the consequences of not monitoring leaks can also trigger a tsunami of costs far beyond the expense of pipeline repair alone.
As our society continues to embrace digital technology, it’s fair to say that the world of water utilities will be, a major beneficiary of this revolution.
Limited new natural water sources, especially in the southwest region of the USA, and rapidly increasing population has led to the need for innovative methods to manage a water supply system.
The bigger water utilities have the resources, but small utilities face many of the same problems — namely failing pipeline infrastructure and water loss. So what are the solutions and best practices within small utilities’ grasp? One small utility shared its successful approach to controlling water loss as guidance for those with similar struggles.
How much pipeline repair will competing priorities, resource limitations, and public tolerance allow? Try 1 percent annually — if you're as good as DC Water. CEO and General Manager George Hawkins shares advice that has helped his utility double the national average for pipeline replacement.
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