Water Efficiency July/August 2012 : Page 57
We are already seeing the benefits of building smart water networks, as utilities have begun to save millions of gallons of water through more accurate water measurement, preventive maintenance, and leak detection. This technology goes beyond saving water utilities money though; this technology addresses one of our most precious resources—water. THE ROLE OF WATER UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY The future of water will be managed by technology and implemented by water utilities and local municipalities. Mem-bers of the water industry, particularly utilities and municipalities, are stewards with the utmost respect for our most precious resource. These stewards also have the vision to know what is required to protect it, the incentive to use it wisely, and a commitment to ensure that their community has an abundant and afford-able supply of clean, safe water. A technology that many of you are familiar with will also be a key partner in conserving water worldwide and ensur-ing global access: Smart water networks. Th e integrated technology that supports a smart water network enables the commu-nication that is necessary to automatically measure water use, monitor distribution lines for leaks, and perform and manage a variety of fi eld operations and infrastruc-ture remotely through a single, two-way communications network. Smart water networks can measure water fl ow down to a single drop, identify leaks, and help utilities to capture water that previously went down the drain. Smart water networks do more than just enable utilities and municipalities to effi ciently manage water use though — they enable end-users to have real-time data access. Th is access facilitates better understanding of usage patterns and thereby encourages behavioral changes to facilitate conservation. We are already seeing the benefi ts of building smart water networks, as utilities have begun to save millions of gallons of water through more accurate water measurement, preventive mainte-nance, and leak detection. Th is technology goes beyond saving water utilities money though; this technology addresses one of our most precious resources—water. Another benefi t of this technology is that it is constantly evolving. In the near future, we envision going well beyond the aforementioned capabilities of smart water networks to monitor and control utility operations beyond the meter, such as water quality, pressure monitoring, and graywater. TURNING VISION AND TECHNOLOGY INTO ACTION Even with the right technology, there is still much work to be done to ensure clean water for years to come. In 2007, the EPA assessed the 20-year capital investment needed for the US public drinking water system at a sum total exceeding $300 billion. Since then, the number has increased to exceed $500 billion. As if those numbers are not daunting enough, conservative growth What’s your WATERPRINT? 1857 With new updates! Gallons of water to get that steak from the ranch to the tabletop. 766 Gallons of water to make that favorite t-shirt . 37 Gallons of water for that “cup o’ joe” . Waterprint is the first, one-of-a-kind iPhone application that calculates how much water is embedded in our daily lives. You’ll be surprised by how much water you use—and so will your customers! Our exclusive waterprint calculator allows your customer to keep track of the water they use, while our product and activity descriptions explain the numbers and provide tips to cut down on consumption. Go to waterprint.net to find out more and to download the app to your iPhone, iPod, or iPad. Or scan here to get the app at http://gettag.mobi JULY/AUGUST 2012 WATER EFFICIENCY 57
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