Heading off headaches with infrastructure solutions
Non-Revenue Water from leaking distribution lines. Improperly applied or aging meters. The worry that adopting new technology will strand the assets you already have. These are the kinds of infrastructure headaches that keep utility managers up at night. Fortunately, utilities have more options than ever to tackle these issues head-on – Neptune offers ARB® FixedBase™ AMI for time-synchronized system-wide meter reading and District Metered Area monitoring; SEER® analytic software to calculate infrastructure replacement costs; acoustic leak sensors to help prevent catastrophic main breaks; and migratable R900®-based AMR to minimize replacement and future-proof systems.
Taking to the streets to pinpoint problems
In their efforts to recapture critical Non-Revenue Water, utilities are looking to ever more sophisticated tools to find it. A well-equipped advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system can lead the way, helping identify and address particular problem areas within a utility's infrastructure.
Hourly consumption data can assist in finding leaks. Even better, however, are time-synchronized meter readings for true meter-to-meter comparison. Not only does synchronized meter reading support conservation initiatives and leak detection from every meter at any given time across an entire system – it can also allow utilities to pinpoint problem areas at the neighborhood level, comparing pumped water to billed water through District Metered Area monitoring and analysis.
A two-way system such as Neptune's ARB FixedBase AMI can provide DMA and many other critical data to help improve infrastructure.
SEER® – when a change saves more than change
While a smaller percentage of the meter population than residential, commercial and industrial (C&I) meters measure a large percentage of a utility's water consumption. Identifying equipment that needs replacing can go a long way to increasing a utility's revenue stream.
Using SEER (Statistical Evaluation for the Enhancement of Revenue) analytics from Neptune, a utility can quickly calculate meter accuracy to see what equipment is working and what requires a changeout. A SEER analysis predicts both the accuracy of a meter to within two standard deviations and calculates the payback of a meter's replacement. In addition, SEER can identify meters that may be oversized and require rightsizing.
Adding to infrastructure instead of ditching it
Many utilities face the daunting challenge of addressing outdated infrastructure. Smart utilities are making sure their metering technology is not part of that problem. There is enormous value in continuing to use existing AMR with occasional additions to a system rather than complete system overhauls every few years. Utilities can take the money they save and augment existing AMR, or reallocate it into other areas where it may be needed.
By being able to migrate completely from handheld walk-by reads to drive-by reading to even fixed network functionality, utilities can not only save money, but increase efficiency and improve safety as well. The same RF technology that makes mobile possible also makes it possible to eliminate truck rolls altogether. Find out how Neptune's R900®-based AMR provides field-proven technology with future-proof performance.
Now for the Rest of the News
From the latest product developments, to tips on better utility management, to stories on how utilities have experienced the benefits of ARB® Utility Management Systems™, your source is Neptune NOW, our magazine that captures the latest on the issues affecting your utility. Order your electronic copy of our Fall issue – FREE – just by clicking the link below and submitting your name and address.
Keeping an ear to the ground for Non-Revenue Water
When it comes to distribution line leaks, out of sight too often can mean out of mind – until it's too late. But just because a leak may be developing where it can't be seen doesn't mean it can't be heard. An acoustic leak sensor, when paired with radio frequency technology, can transmit leak sound vibration information daily from water distribution mains and service connections, including alarms to signal leak conditions anywhere along the entire distribution system. Aside from helping prevent costly main breaks, acoustic leak detection also allows utilities to review and prioritize leak surveys and correlation activities to identify and resolve problems along the distribution line. Learn how Neptune integrates acoustic leak monitoring with automatic meter reading (AMR) and AMI systems.