Hunter Water is set to trial advanced digital water meters in targeted parts of its service area to explore how more detailed and frequent consumption data can improve network management and help customers save water.
The pilot project will involve the installation of digital water meters at 500 residential and business premises.
Intellihub will supply the digital water meters for the pilot and securely connect the data and communications platforms into Hunter Water’s systems.
Hunter Water said there will be no additional costs for customers to take part in the program.
The digital meters will help Hunter Water to detect leaks at a customer’s home or business and then alert customers earlier with a suggested course of action so they can save water and better manage costs.
The new technology will also help Hunter Water identify breaks or leaks in the water distribution network, allowing it to respond earlier, further reducing water losses.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Customer Service, Matt Hingston, said the pilot program was the first of its kind to take place in its area of operations.
“Access to more detailed, timely water consumption data is key to better serving our customers,” Mr Hingston said.
“New digital water meters can record data multiple times an hour and send that data back to us over secure communication networks.
“That information means we could detect high consumption or water leaks much faster and then advise customers much sooner so they can act, saving precious drinking water and helping them to save money.
“This technology trial will help us continue to be efficient and keep our customers’ bills as low as possible.”
Up to 50 local businesses will participate in the trial to see how digital meters and frequent consumption data, for example at 30-minute intervals, can help them use water more efficiently and drive down business costs.
Intellihub GM Smart Water, Inge Diamond, said new digital meters are 21st-century technology that provide faster and more valuable data to help customers and utilities.
“Digital meters have become a crucial part of the energy transition taking place around the world,” Ms Diamond said.
“They can bring these same benefits to water utilities and their customers.
“Across Australia, digital water meters have already helped to save millions of litres of water and significantly reduce costs for customers, while streamlining operations for network operators.
“We look forward to working with Hunter Water to help them unlock the benefits from digital meter technology and data.”
Intellihub will assess a range of leading digital metering and cloud technologies as part of the pilot project to help provide the best and most appropriate solution for Hunter Water and its customers.
Solutions such as ultrasonic measurement technology, pulse loggers and advanced communications platforms will be tested to see how they perform in local conditions.
The pilot program will give Hunter Water greater insights on data-driven forecasting and data requirements for the different teams in its business.
It will help understand how the data can provide greater visibility and better and faster decision making across its portfolio of assets.
“We are continually looking at new ways to efficiently manage the region’s water supplies for new and existing customers,” Mr Hingston said.
“Digital water meters are a critical tool to help us and our customers use water even more sustainably and better manage costs.”
Technicians from local field service providers will install and maintain the new digital meters.
Installations will begin in late January 2025 with the pilot project running for about 18 months.
Hunter Water will communicate directly with those customers whose meter will be changed and will continue to update those householders and business owners during the pilot.
Featured image: From left: Belmont Golf & Bowls General Manager, Stuart Macaskill; Intellihub GM Smart Water, Inge Diamond; and Hunter Water Executive Manager Customer Service, Matt Hingston. Image: Intellihub
