Whitepapers

and other devices. This approach contrasts with the use of proprietary technologies, which lock water utilities into a small device ecosystem. Compared with other wireless connectivity options, LoRaWAN provides the best balance of coverage and power consumption with ranges of more than 10 kilometres (see Figure 4). LoRaWAN's wide range, long battery life and total cost of ownership make it the best way to cost-effectively deploy IoT network sensors across a wide area. Water operators can start reaping the benefits of remote monitoring and control immediately, then build on those benefits as more IoT devices are deployed. LoRaWAN ® USE CASES Water Metering LoRaWAN's superior communications protocols and penetration capability mean that water utilities can collect metering and operational data remotely in even the most challenging radio frequency environments. This enables easier access to metering infrastructure. Water authorities can then better monitor water usage and leakages across the water network to address the issue of non-revenue water. By implementing smart metering with LoRaWAN, water utilities can: ■ read meters remotely to improve operational efficiency and at a much higher frequency, which allows for quicker reactions and avoids estimates ■ monitor consumption and alert providers of leakages ■ monitor pressure relief value operations. ■ manage and control pumps ■ quickly detect leaks and repair them ■ enhance the customer experience through access to real-time metering data ■ provide detailed reports and alerts to help customers better manage their water usage ■ reduce calls to customer contact centres ■ improve compliance through regular water quality monitoring ■ track moving assets - pumps, vehicles, or personnel ■ more accurately predict demand, making it possible to optimise pumping schedules, hence reducing energy costs, managing water turnover in service reservoirs, and making possible direct treatment and water pumping through valves and reservoirs. Water Supply Network Monitoring LoRaWAN-connected sensors provide real-time data that can help utilities monitor hydraulic and water quality, such as allowing forearly detection of pipe stress for immediate rehabilitative action before pipes leak. This, in turn, reduces the risk of damaged pipes and water loss. Similarly, continuous monitoring of water quality in distribution pipelines can provide early warnings of potential water contamination, leading toproactive remediation. Figure 4: Network Connectivity Options Case Study: City of Gold Coast Tracks Down Non-Revenue Water with Smart Meters - Australia A smart-meter rollout across the City of Gold Coast in the Australian state of Queensland has proven invaluable in tracking down concealed leaks that compromise water supplies crucial to supporting the area's fast-growing population. The implementation of a ubiquitous LoRaWAN network has provided unprecedented visibility into water usage trends, helping water authorities pinpoint previously unknown concealed leaks, costing more than $2 million per year in customer credits. Around 1 in 10 of the smart meter-enabled properties were discovered to have leaks of more than 10 litres per hour, with one-third of schools suffering these problems. In addition, 92 large leaks – each losing over 100 litres per hour – were identified. Indicating the magnitude of water leakage across the city's networks, those 92 leaks alone lost 58 megalitres of water between the time they were identified and the time they were fixed. The rollout continues with meters and SCADA applications set maintenance even further - preser- ving the quality and quantity of water available to maintain the Gold Coast's appeal as a global tourist destination and centre of rapid population growth. www.lora-alliance.org p.8 Read more

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