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Contr olling Appar ent Losses—Data Transfer Err ors 213
monitoring capabilities at the customer endpoint, possibly including water pressure
levels and water quality parameters. The value of the fixed communication network is
greatly leveraged since these systems can be designed to communicate data and alarms
on a number of endpoint parameters, in addition to the traditional meter reading. This
expanded host of capabilities can provide water utilities with efficiencies that go well
beyond billing and the water loss control program. These additional capabilities offer a
number of operational efficiencies to the water utility and better justify the overall busi-
ness case for fixed network AMR in a water utility.
Several leak detection capabilities are being developed and refined. Evidence of leaks
on the customer side of the meter can be obtained by analyzing the consumption flow
profile. An increase in water consumption registered by the water meter can present evi-
dence that a leak has emerged. Having the ability to detect leaks in this manner, and send-
ing an alert to the customer, gives the water utility the opportunity to minimize the run
time of the leak, which saves considerable water relative to systems without any leak
detection capabilities. This also provides a service to the customer by limiting the likeli-
hood of an unusually high bill (UHB) being issued to the customer. Leak detection software
that analyzes customer consumption patterns in this manner is becoming a standard fea-
ture for a number of AMI manufacturers. Figure 13.11 displays a sample customer bill that
includes an alert about a detected leak, based upon the customer’s consumption pattern.
The AMR network is also being studied as a means to assist leakage control in water
distribution systems. American Water operates water utilities in many states in the
United States and has been an industry leader in conducting research on water industry
innovations. For several years American Water has been running trials of a technology
that utilizes the fixed communication AMR network to transmit meter readings and
alerts from leak noise loggers attached to customer service connections near the cus-
tomer water meter. Spaced at intervals of roughly every 10 customer service lines, the
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sound patterns generated by leaks—either on customer piping or water distribution sys-
tem piping—are collected and correlated in order to pinpoint the location of leaks. This
approach provides advantages in several manners. Firstly, it leverages the fixed com-
munication network, increasing the benefits of the AMR system and building a better
business case for the use of fixed network AMR. Secondly, it minimizes the awareness
time in which a leak is detected, relative to manual leak detection. Lastly, it automates
the meter reading and leak detection processes by placing permanent, automated equip-
ment in use to replace manual methods. American Water has found success in identify-
ing leaks in its initial pilot projects and is further exploring the use of this technology in
several other trail locations. Figure 13.12 shows a typical leak noise logger installation on
a customer service line in one of the trials being conducted by American Water.
In addition to endpoint information communicated via fixed network AMR to the
water utility, other customer endpoint innovations are being developed to provide
enhanced service to customers. A residential water consumption display has been
developed to allow customers to view the current water meter reading and consump-
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tion at a convenient location in the household. Designed to be mounted at a visible
location in the home, the display provides customers with information that helps them
understand the water demands of various water-using household fixtures and appli-
ances and helps them to better manage their water demand. Residential water leaks can
be detected using software that analyzes the consumption pattern and an alert is issued
by in-home display, email, or SMS message. Separate from the water utility metering
and AMR system, manufacturers have developed end-use metering devices that dis-
play measurements of water consumption at individual customer fixtures such as