Affinity Water Launches Smart Metering Programme.

Affinity Water is thrilled to introduce its inaugural Smart metering initiative, commencing with a trial in selected areas of Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire. This innovative project will start with the installation of around 20,000 Smart meters in residential properties and 20 in commercial properties as part of the initial phase, with plans for broader installations in the future. This initiative represents a significant advancement in water conservation and management.

Water conservation is crucial, and Affinity Water aims to assist customers in reducing their consumption and improving leak detection. By installing Smart meters, the company intends to promote reductions in water usage and expedite leak identification, resulting in quicker repairs and fewer service interruptions.

Smart metering allows customers to manage their water consumption effectively. With accurate and frequent data, Smart meters enable users to monitor their usage and make environmentally conscious choices. This initiative is part of Affinity Water’s larger strategy to combat water stress in the area and secure a consistent water supply moving forward.

The rollout of Smart meters is a strategic response to pressing issues such as water scarcity, infrastructure efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The trial phase is set to begin on February 3, 2025, with selected customers in Harlow, North Weald Bassett, Chipping Ongar, and nearby areas being contacted directly to explain the installation process and its advantages. Following a successful trial and approval from OFWAT, Affinity Water plans to extend Smart meter installations to additional regions, targeting an extra 380,000 Smart meters over the next five years.

Smart meters provide numerous benefits, such as:

  • Leak detection: Quickly identifying leaks to minimize water loss.
  • Accurate billing: Ensuring customers are charged only for their actual usage.
  • Water conservation: Helping customers understand their consumption patterns to save money and protect the environment.

Geordie Wilson, Head of Smart Metering at Affinity Water, remarked, “The launch of our Smart metering program is an exciting advancement in our approach to managing and conserving water in our region. By offering customers near real-time data on their usage, we empower them to make informed choices that conserve both water and money. This technology also enables us to detect and resolve leaks more swiftly, reducing water loss and minimizing disruptions. Smart metering is essential to our mission of tackling water stress in the Southeast and ensuring a reliable supply for future generations.”

Affinity Water’s Smart meter initiative is a strategic effort to confront significant challenges like water scarcity, infrastructure efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By utilizing Smart metering technology, the company can monitor water usage remotely and identify leaks, significantly decreasing water loss and enhancing overall system efficiency. This initiative is a vital part of Affinity Water’s Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP), which aims to meet ambitious regulatory targets, including lowering per capita consumption and halving leakage by 2050.

Effective water management in regions facing serious water stress, such as Southeast England, is essential for environmental protection. Smart metering provides improved data for better groundwater management, ensuring long-term supply resilience and safeguarding fragile ecosystems like chalk streams.

The UK’s aging water infrastructure results in substantial water losses, with around 3 billion liters lost daily due to leaks. Affinity Water is addressing these issues by employing Smart metering technology to improve water management and reduce waste.

Serving a region with one of the highest per capita consumption (PCC) rates in the UK, averaging 157 liters per person per day compared to the national average of 145 liters, the Smart metering initiative is a crucial step toward lowering these consumption levels and encouraging sustainable water use.

So, how do typical meters differ from Smart meters?

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) meters record water usage monthly and can detect issues like leaks. Meters installed in the last decade automatically transmit usage data to passing vehicles, eliminating the need for manual readings. Older meters require visual inspections and provide only basic consumption data for billing.

A Smart meter is a sophisticated device that measures, records, and transmits water consumption data remotely multiple times a day. This technology allows users to monitor their water usage in near real-time, helping them understand their consumption habits, identify leaks, and make informed decisions to reduce usage and save money.

These Smart meters comply with UK and EU safety regulations and emit very low levels of radio waves, significantly less than a mobile phone, ensuring they are safe for health.

Affinity Water’s AMP8 Smart metering initiative relies on strong partnerships with Arqiva, Clancy, and Bregan MainsFlow. Together, they combine expertise in connectivity, installation, and meter replacement to minimize leakage, enhance network efficiency, and empower customers with smarter water management solutions.

David Aylott, Director at Bregan MainsFlow Ltd, stated: “We are excited to have been awarded AMP8 for the Smart Metering Programme, showcasing the dedication and expertise of our entire Bregan MainsFlow team. This achievement reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering outstanding client results. Smart metering plays a crucial role in conserving our most valuable resource—water—by enabling more efficient management and reducing waste. We are proud to be part of this transformative step toward a smarter, more sustainable future in water management.”

Mike Smith, Executive Director at Smart Utilities Networks, Arqiva, added: “This project demonstrates our capability to develop targeted solutions for utility organizations in collaboration with trusted partners. Fundamentally, Smart Metering is about providing reliable, actionable data. Our proven track record in delivering comprehensive metering rollouts in the UK underscores our commitment to ensuring customer success and establishing a robust platform for future advancements.”

Affinity Water encourages customers to register for My Account, where they can access their water usage data, check balances, view instant statements, update their details, and more, all at their convenience. Signing up on the Affinity Water website is quick and easy, helping the company keep customers informed about incidents, service updates, and advice.

Affinity Water is dedicated to delivering high-quality water services while continuously exploring advanced technological innovations and sustainable practices. Their commitment to excellence ensures reliable and efficient services for their customers.

Source :Affinity Water

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