Pioneering multi parameter water monitor passes examination with flying colours

Extensive field testing of the pioneering MetriNet by a leading water company has been a huge success, with their new smart distribution networks making savings of millions by safeguarding water quality.

ATi UK are more than one year into a first-of-its-kind proof of concept project with Southern Water, the leading water company in the field of intelligent network distribution systems.

Results from the project have been hailed a success, not only from a regulatory compliance view point, but also reveals how the use of the multi-parameter MetriNet, as part of a smart water strategy, can give significant network operational cost reductions too. MetriNet data is now being used for near real-time pipe condition monitoring and the identification of potential burst locations, to give just two examples.

Data from deployments in several UK water companies is showing how water quality data can be analysed to give insights that allow proactive management of distribution networks. Huge cost reductions can be made in areas such as mains rehabilitation, burst identification and prediction, control of flushing operations or even the removal of the need to flush.

Sensors can be installed anywhere in a network, from the service reservoirs to meter chambers and PRV chamber, right to the hydrants within DMA’s.

One great example is the use of multi-site water quality monitoring in a trunk main. By using simple pattern recognition, it is possible to calculate the velocity of water in the pipe. This can be used as a surrogate flow indicator to verify existing flow meters and identify anomalies. MetriNet also monitors the real water quality decay rates, which is useful for water aging and the effect on the pipe of water quality and pipe condition.

Innovation and collaboration play a vital part in providing solutions to the challenges faced by the Water Industry. Advances in robust, high-precision, reliable and smart network monitors are revolutionising water quality management in water distribution systems.

Understanding network behaviour by using SMART monitors allows operators to truly understand the networks, predict their behaviour and plan solutions. In addition, water companies can also condition the mains for resilience and have long-term maintenance strategies in place to reduce customer complaints and safeguard against water quality failures.

The only way water companies can get this sort of data is through the continuous monitoring offered by the MetriNet system - no other technology can achieve these results.

This latest MetriNet project has helped to prove that embracing new technologies also presents opportunities. Cloud computing can be used, quickly expanding the evidence base from which options can be developed and decisions made. By collaborating to connect people, data and resources, we can open opportunities to achieve more cost-effective solutions, with greater benefits to the water industry, the environment and society.

Developing an integrated approach to address water quality challenges is a priority, working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders and regulators. There is a need to develop a long-term multi-sector water resources strategy to provide a sustainable supply for the next 100 years; resilient to the effects of climate change, population growth and drought. By collaborating with partners from different sectors, water companies can optimise expertise and expenditure, ensuring a robust outcome for themselves, wider society and the environment.