In “Water Supply Section”, please indicates water leakage problem in Canada.
Before smart metering, traditional metering requires meter readers drives to each household locating and reading the meter. Measurements are written down and retrieved to the office where they are entered into system. With measurements collected, volumes are calculated, and bills sent to customers. The traditional meter reading is a heavily manual effort. It is considered not effective because the high cost of employees, fuel cost, and extra vehicles for employees. In addition, traditional metering cannot provides detail information regarding the consumption timing, thus prevent the water reader where there are a leaks. Throughout the past decade, smart metering has evolved from interval meters with simple communications into smart metering with an increased range of metering functionality.
There are two modern progress of water metering: Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
AMR refers to the use of mobile radio communication. Meters are equipped with transmitters and as readers walk or drive by a unit with an antenna, a single data point is collected electronically.
Meters readers do not have to access individual properties, but still required to physically drive to neighborhoods and only a single measurement.
AMI refers to a fixed-base network, also called a fixed-base or fixed network, and are capable of providing more information.
Transmitters connected to the meters send readings at set intervals to stationary collectors, not roving vehicles or pedestrian readers.
The collectors are mounted on towers, buildings, or other suitable locations. Meter data is sent back to the utility via a communication backhaul (i.e., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or other communication technology]. Collection software then funnels data onto the billing system or other departments. Communication is two-way, allowing the real-time clocks in the transmitters to be synchronized from the host software. Because readings are time-synchronized, the system is capable of supporting load balancing, which allows the utility to identify and attack any water losses.
AMI provides more convenient way to detect the leak as AMI collects data quicker.
BENEFIT:
The benefits of metering fall into three broad categories: operational or system management benefits, water conservation benefits, and benefits to water consumers. Combined these benefits support triple bottom line decision making (balancing social, economic and environmental considerations), long term system planning and the building of more sustainable and resilient communities.
If metering is tied to an ongoing outreach program, data analysis and conservation oriented water pricing, then it can provide substantial benefits to a water utility.
Case Study:
Flat rate bill for residential before metering: $150/ quarter
Before being metered, metering Per capita daily use of Port St. John is 530 L = 0.53 m³
The new rate is $0.75 per cubic meter of water plus 85% of the water amount for sewer (So total rate $1.3875). This rate is in effect on January 1, 2009.
This new rate structure was developed to encourage conservation and water sustainability, as well as provide sufficient revenue to operate the system, providing clean water for the residents and outlying areas, as well as for collecting and treating the sewer that is produced, and providing fire protection through the fire hydrants and the water that is available to them.
There will still be a minimum that residents and business will have to pay. The minimum is $45 per quarter. This equates to $15 per month or $0.50 per day. This is for the ability to turn on a tap any day or night and have water to use and the associated sewer treatment as well as having fire protection and the lower fire insurance rates that come from living in proximity to a fire hydrant. Based on the new unit rate, $45 equals 32.4 cubic meters. If you use
