Remote diagnosis of leakage in residential households

Abstract

Wide Bay Water Corporation is in the process of implementing automated meter reading technology in their water network. This technology allows the remote measurement and evaluation of water consumption at a residential and commercial level using a FIREFLY® data logger and Commstar software. By using the FIREFLY®, water usage patterns can be recorded each hour and stored for collection via a drive-by system. This paper presents the findings from a pilot study in Hervey Bay Queensland that Wide Bay Water Corporation has undertaken in conjunction with Griffith University. The objective was to identify household water leakage in residential properties located within a selected district metered area (DMA). Research outcomes include a water use profile of the metered residential properties, the types of leaks encountered and the cost of leak repairs. At the commencement of the program it was found that 2% of the meters accounted for 24% of the night time consumption. This study provides evidence that automated meter reading technology can quantify water leakage beyond the meter.