AWWA ACE70603

As part of developing a business case for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), the objective of this poster paper was to identify and evaluate technologies that can enhance monitoring of water system operations and enhance customer service. The approach included the following: evaluate AMI data management attributes; evaluate continuous acoustic monitoring (CAM) integrated with AMI; evaluate backflow monitoring potential; and, evaluate AMI controlled customer service valves. Topics presented include: determining sources of non-revenue water (NRW); data management - meter sizing and selection; residential backflow detecting meters; backflow occurrence results; value of AMI controlled customer valve; and, acoustic leak detection monitoring and AMI. Conclusions indicate the following: meter data management is an untapped source of information that can help identify NRW losses; the use of AMI controlled valves will have a significant cost for valve and installation but have financial benefit where seasonal use, delinquent payment issues and control of individual services are issues; the AMI system can enhance data concerning backflow incidences and assist the utility in possible mitigation of operational problems; and, the acoustic monitoring connection to AMI can significantly impact the business case where NRW can be reduced and the cost of water is significant. The combination of AMI data and leak detection can help identify customer water waste.