As we approach the hot and dry summer months, water scarcity has become an increasingly pressing concern for many communities and water providers. While water restrictions have traditionally been a primary means of reducing water demand during these challenging times, the lack of real-time water consumption data often leaves the public unaware of their usage patterns and potential wastage. Enter Taggle Systems Digital Water Metering (DWM) solution, a technology that empowers consumers to monitor their water consumption effectively and identify and rectify water leaks promptly.
Extending the time before water restrictions
DWM has the potential to extend the period before water restrictions become a necessity. By providing consumers with real-time data on their water usage, individuals can become more aware of their consumption habits and make conscious efforts to reduce wastage. For example a resident with a leaking toilet might not think much of the leak, but when the data shows the leak is 10-15 litres per hour, which equates to 240-360 litres per day, they will likely take quicker action to fix it.
Taggle’s meter data management software, Aqualus Water, includes a Customer Portal in which end users can set up leak and high consumption alerts as well as weekly and monthly reports. For those not signed up to the customer portal, utilities can send leak notices via email, sms and by letter to properties with leaks. When restrictions are on the cards these tools can significantly reduce the amount of unnecessary water loss and overall demand on water resources, delaying the need for stringent restrictions.
Educating the public in a positive way
One of the advantages of DWM is its capacity to educate the public about water conservation in a positive and engaging manner. Traditional water restrictions often lead to frustration and resentment among communities and some who abide by the rules of outdoor watering are in fact using a lot of water. When individuals can see their water consumption patterns displayed on a user-friendly interface, they are more likely to take ownership of their usage and willingly reduce it. High water consumption activities like watering the garden can be clearly identified and quantified with hourly data. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages voluntary water conservation efforts.
Preventing water theft
Water theft occurrence increases during water restrictions with thieves stealing more than their fair share of water, putting additional strain on already limited resources. DWM makes water theft much harder to conduct. The meters are equipped with tamper alerts and provide hourly readings, making it challenging for individuals to manipulate their water consumption. The data itself can also highlight unusual usage that can be investigated.
Commercial properties are often targets for thieves, DWM data has identified cases where thieves have stolen drum loads of water regularly without with property owner even knowing and having to foot the bill. With the Customer Portal, property owner can identify these activities and take action by setting up a camera and notifying authorities when the thieves come by, catching them red handed. Without the consumption data the property owner would have been none the wiser and paying for the water consumed. The technology not only prevents illegal water usage but also promotes fairness and accountability within the community.
Tools for Utilities
DWM also offers invaluable tools for utilities and water providers. Aside from leak notices, utilities can identify properties with consistently high-water consumption and engage with homeowners and businesses to pinpoint high-use activities and wastage. This data-driven approach empowers utilities to better educate the community.
Similarly, with whole of network water consumption data, utilities can target messaging and water saving strategies depending on areas with excessive water use or areas where resources are scarce, alleviating water stress. This consumption data can be analysed against supply meters to calculate network losses through District Metering Areas (DMA). Many councils have significant network losses and the ability to target areas for leak detection makes decisions on areas to target valuable.
Aqualus Water also provides utilities with many visualisation tools and reports to help manage the water network as efficiently as possible.
Conclusion
Stringent water restrictions impact local businesses and the community. By extending the time before water restrictions become necessary, we can improve quality of life and reduce water stress. DWM represents a significant leap forward in water resource management and conservation efforts, which is invaluable during tough dry periods. As we face increasingly severe water scarcity challenges, Digital Water Metering emerges as an essential tool in our efforts to preserve this precious resource now and into the future.