Solving water management challenges in the US with smart solutions | Diehl Metering

Oct 16, 2024

When it comes to strategies for efficient water management, there is no one size fits all solution. Being aware of country specifics is the first step toward establishing a future-proof setup. Differences not only occur in varied regulatory landscapes and technologies but also unique consumer needs and market dynamics.

Intensifying our presence in the US with opening a sales and production site in Lisle, Illinois in 2017 has been a game changer for Diehl Metering. Not only did it help to gather market knowledge that helps us develop country-specific products and adapt existing ones accordingly. On the other hand, it enables us being close to customers and to provide fast support if needed.

In this article, we want to

In a country as big as the US, challenges can highly differ depending on the region. However, when looking across the country, there are four main challenges that utilities need to master regardless of where they’re located.

Water scarcity and droughts are critical challenges for many utilities, exacerbated by climate change. Regions reliant on the Colorado River, for instance, face fluctuating reservoir levels dependent on rainfall and meltwater. To tackle this, utilities need to closely monitor water consumption within their networks, enabling them to forecast shortages and take proactive measures. Accurate monitoring can help mitigate severe impacts by enforcing water usage regulations and identifying heavy consumers.

US utilities often use a mix of water meters from different providers, complicating data collection and analysis. Utilizing the IZAR STELLA system, with its ability to read multiple brands of meters, can provide effective water management by collecting the data into one platform. Integrating diverse metering systems into a cohesive monitoring and management framework is essential for efficient operations.

Traditionally, US water utilities have used mechanical meters for large users (3” and above), which require annual maintenance to maintain accuracy. This involves deploying trucks and personnel for testing and repairs, as well as maintaining programs for cleaning strainers. This practice incurs significant operational costs. The result is a significantly increased demand for water meters without moving parts, such as the HYDRUS 2.0 series.

Utilities manage extensive water networks where detecting leaks can be especially challenging and time-consuming. On top of it, there’s a general problem with aging water infrastructure, rrequiring substantial investments to maintain functionality, covering not only pipes but also dams, wastewater facilities, and treatment plants.

If looking at the challenges in water management, sustainability, and water scarcity due to different factors always play a decisive role. In combination with country or even state specific regulations, technologies and the condition of the pipe network, individual product requirements arise for utilities and cities.

At Diehl Metering, we always develop our solutions according to those needs, making sure our customers can design and manage a responsive water network.

Diehl Metering’s HYDRUS BULK meters offer highly granular data, enhancing analytics and operational efficiency. The ultrasonic meters are known for their extreme accuracy as they

enabling utilities to precisely account for and bill low flow conditions as well as

Unlike mechanical meters, HYDRUS meters maintain their accuracy throughout their lifespan without the need for annual maintenance, significantly reducing operational expenses. Additionally, HYDRUS BULK meters do not require strainers, making regular cleaning redundant.

IZAR STELLA is a meter data management solution, specifically developed for US customers looking to digitalize their water network. The solution includes:

With gateways,

radio modules and

a dedicated software compatible with third-party meters.

That way, we can also provide a solution to the fact that a single utility might have installed devices from many different distributors.

Independent from the meter, data is collected hourly, which utilities can use with Diehl’s meter data management software package to identify leaks and system abnormalities. This real-time data collection

reduces operational costs by automating the billing process,

minimizes human error,

and eliminates the need for field data collection.

Diehl Metering’s Water Loss Management software consolidates data into an easily understandable format, allowing utilities to efficiently locate leaks and develop targeted pipe replacement plans. The AI-driven system identifies high-risk areas based on pipe characteristics such as age, material, and installation location.

This data-driven approach helps utilities plan construction works and allocate budgets more effectively, reducing time spent on locating leaks and enhancing overall water management efficiency.

By leveraging these advanced metering solutions, US water utilities can address the pressing challenges of water scarcity, high maintenance costs, and aging infrastructure, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for the future.

If you are a utility and find yourself confronted with the same or similar challenges, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team. They are keen on helping you find an individual solution for your city’s or region’s specific needs.