National Water Agency PUB has issued a Call-for-Proposals (CFP) today to develop and test smart water meters which operate on the Narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) wireless communications technology. This call is part of broader efforts between PUB and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (comprising Smart Nation and Digital Government Office and Government Technology Agency) to leverage the latest wireless communications technology to harness sensor data.
PUB had announced in April that the first phase of the Smart Water Meter Programme will commence early next year. SP Services Limited was awarded the contract to supply and install 300,000 smart water meters in new and existing residential, commercial and industrial premises in seven districts1 across the island by 2023. SP is also responsible for providing the wireless communications network, developing the IT systems, and providing operations and maintenance for 15 years. With the smart water meters, consumers will be able to monitor their daily water use and receive alerts of potential leaks and abnormal water usage. This will empower them to better manage their water consumption and save costs.
NB-IoT is an open standard Internet-of-Things (IoT) communications protocol which is gaining prominence globally as a low-powered communications solution for sensors. In Singapore, NB-IoT is offered by the three main telco providers - Singtel, M1 and Starhub. This CFP is an independent trial to assess the performance, stability and reliability of NB-IoT meters for subsequent implementation of smart water meters for the rest of Singapore.
Up to six vendors can be awarded under the CFP to conduct independent trials using 600 smart water meters on the NB-IoT communications network over 18 months. Findings from this trial will allow PUB to validate the performance and reliability of NB-IoT enabled meters for subsequent rollouts. The trial, which is expected to commence in the second half of this year, will begin with the setup and integration of the NB-IoT enabled meters to GovTech's Device Management, Control and Data Acquisition Systems (DECADA) system, followed by six months of field data collection. The entire process is expected to conclude in early 2023.
The Smart Water Meter Programme is a key pillar under the Smart PUB Roadmap, which aims to transform PUB into a smart utility of the future. These smart water meters are pivotal in enabling PUB to achieve greater operational efficiencies, providing daily water usage data that allow for optimal water production and network management, as well as quick detection and location of potential leaks within the water supply network.
Interested parties can attend the virtual tender briefing session on 29 Jun 9pm (Singapore time), and visit the website for more info. The closing date for the proposals to be submitted is 22 July 2021.
The seven locations are Bukit Batok, Hougang, Jurong West, Tampines, Tuas as well as in the new housing estates of Tampines North and Tengah.
