Page 242 - Water Loss Control

Contr olling Appar ent Losses—Data Transfer Err ors 215

FIGURE 13.13 LCD display of solid state register for Neptune meter capable of detecting reverse
fl ow (backfl ow) events and leaks on internal plumbing. The arrow indicators show the direction of
fl ow and the faucet indicator reveals the presence of a leak. (Source: Neptune Technology Group.)

faucets and showerheads. One manufacturer also offers an endpoint control device to
5
prevent water wastage from leakage on premise piping. This feature gives the capability
to close a valve on the customer service connection piping if a significant leak is sensed
by consumption-analyzing software, thereby quickly halting a potentially damage-
causing situation. This technology has dual benefits of minimizing water waste from
customer premise leaks and minimizing water damage to customer property. 4
At least one manufacturer provides the capability to detect flow reversal (backflow)
events and send alerts to the water utility via the fixed network AMR system. Figure 13.13
shows the LCD of a solid state register with arrow indicators giving the ability to show
flow being supplied to the customer as normal, or flowing backwards, as might occur in
an unusual back pressure or vacuum condition in the water distribution system. Back-
flow conditions can have serious water quality impacts, as water drawn back into the
water distribution system during a backflow event may be of questionable quality and
risk contamination of the distribution system. As a result of the post 911 vulnerability
assessments conducted by water utilities, intentional contamination of a distribution
system has been hypothesized as a possible threat to water utilities. Such actions could
occur by pumping a contaminant into a building service connection and forcing it into
the distribution system. Having a reverse flow detection and quick alert capability can
give water utilities effective tools to counter the risks that backflow portends.
Manufacturers are rapidly expanding the functionality of the customer endpoint.
Their innovation is giving water utilities many effective tools to better promote account-
ability and efficiency in their water supply operations. With multiple benefits offered
through AMI packages, the business case for fixed network AMR is more persuasive
than systems that provide meter reading solely. It is believed that the use of fixed net-
work AMR, and many AMI features, will continue to expand rapidly in the North
American water industry. These systems will enhance water accountability and mini-
mize data transfer error as a source of apparent losses, while giving water utilities new
capabilities and customers improved service.

13.2 Customer Consumption Profiles—Transitioning from Periodic
Customer Meter Readings to Granular Consumption Data
While traditional meter reading programs gather single meter readings every 30 or
more days, fixed network or data-logging AMR systems can generate detailed customer
consumption profiles by obtaining readings as frequently as every 15 minutes. By