Intelligent Metering for Urban Water Planning and Management

Abstract

Driven by the information age, a paradigm shift is starting to occur in the urban water planning and management field, mainly due to the introduction of advanced metering and communications technologies. This chapter explores the potential role of intelligent water metering systems, and the smart application of resultant data sets for the future of water planning and management in the built environment. Intelligent water meters essentially perform three functions; they automatically and electronically capture, collect and communicate up-to-date water usage readings on a real-time (or nearly real-time) basis. To translate this data into useful information, a comprehensive intelligent water metering system is required, which integrates high-resolution metering (e.g., 0.01?l; 5?sec), communication technologies (e.g., GPRS) and information management systems, in order to provide real-time information on how, when and where water is being consumed for the customer and water business. This chapter seeks to promote the uptake and application of intelligent water metering systems by examining the benefits and drivers of, and barriers to, intelligent metering. Specifically, it presents applicable examples of where intelligent metering systems can significantly enhance current activities in terms of citywide urban planning, infrastructure planning, water demand management and customer satisfaction.