Itron, a frontrunner in providing innovative solutions for utilities and municipalities to manage energy and water efficiently, has revealed its collaboration with Publiacqua, the water supplier catering to 1.3 million residents in Tuscany, Italy, to improve its water distribution system.
This initiative involves replacing mechanical meters with Itron’s Intelis® wSource water meters, with the goal of reducing non-revenue water and enhancing customer service. This advanced metering technology will aid the utility in minimizing water loss and bolstering customer interaction, in line with increasing sustainability initiatives.
Each Itron Intelis wSource water meter features state-of-the-art leak detection capabilities, ensuring accurate and dependable data gathering. By adopting these smart meters, Publiacqua will experience several significant improvements:
- Real-time data collection: The Intelis wSource allows for remote meter reading, facilitating informed decision-making and enabling Publiacqua to swiftly identify and resolve unusual water usage patterns.
- Billing accuracy: Publiacqua will have access to daily billing and customized billing options, along with detailed hourly consumption data logging.
- Flow distribution & monitoring: Itron’s ultrasonic water meters provide precise monitoring of distribution flow and detect backflow, aiding in the assessment of water quality and sanitary risks.
- Customer alerts & communication: Alerts are triggered when anomalies are detected, such as a broken pipe, customer leak, tampering attempts, or freeze risks, ensuring timely notifications and showcasing Publiacqua’s dedication to customer service.
“The introduction of smart meters, particularly Itron’s Intelis wSource smart water meters, represents a significant advancement in Publiacqua’s mission to modernize our water infrastructure, enhance sustainability, minimize water loss, and ensure safe, reliable water for the residents of Tuscany. This deployment is part of a project to digitize the distribution network, supported by PNRR M2C4-14.2,” stated the project manager Eng. Dr. Cristiano Agostini and Dr. Laura Taiti, who oversees smart meter implementation at Publiacqua.
“With real-time leak detection, improved accuracy, and optimized water delivery, this technology enables us to significantly decrease the water lost in our distribution system. Beyond operational advantages, this investment underscores our commitment to better managing and conserving this vital resource while strengthening our engagement with the 1.3 million customers we serve in Tuscany.”
Source :Itron
