Itron and Publiacqua partner to modernize Tuscany's water network with smart meter technology

Itron, a leader in innovative solutions for utilities and cities to efficiently manage energy and water, has announced it is working with Publiacqua, the water provider serving 1.3 million residents across Tuscany, Italy, to enhance its water distribution network. As part of this initiative, Publiacqua will replace its mechanical meters with Itron’s Intelis® wSource water meters, aiming to reduce non-revenue water and improve customer service. This advanced metrology technology will support the utility in minimizing water losses and strengthening customer engagement, aligning with growing sustainability efforts.

Each Itron Intelis wSource water meter is equipped with cutting-edge leak detection capabilities, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection. Through the adoption of these smart meters, Publiacqua will benefit from several key enhancements:

• Real-time data collection: The Intelis wSource can collect meter reads remotely, driving informed decision making and enabling Publiacqua to quickly identify and address unusual water patterns.

• Billing accuracy: Publiacqua can access daily billing and custom billing functions, along with precise hourly consumption data logging.

• Flow distribution & monitoring: Itron’s ultrasonic water meters enable precise monitoring of distribution flow as well as detection and quantification of backflow to help assess water quality and/or sanitary risk.
• Customer alerts & communication: Alarms are generated when anomalies are detected, such as a broken pipe, customer leak, tamper attempt or freeze risk, dispatching timely alerts and demonstrating Publiacqua’s commitment to customer care.

“The deployment of smart meters, including Itron’s Intelis wSource smart water meters, marks a pivotal step forward in Publiacqua’s efforts to modernize our water network, advance sustainability, reduce water loss and deliver safe and reliable water to the residents of Tuscany. Included, the deployment is part of a project to digitize the distribution network, funded by PNRR M2C4-14.2,” said the PM of the project Eng. Dr. Cristiano Agostini and the Dr. Laura Taiti responsible for the Smart meter streaming at Publiacqua. “With real-time leak detection, enhanced accuracy and optimized water delivery, this technology empowers us to vastly reduce the amount of water lost through our distribution system. Beyond operational benefits, this investment reflects our ongoing commitment to better managing and conserving this precious resource while deepening engagement with the 1.3 million customers we serve in the Tuscany region.”

“As a popular tourist destination, one unique feature of Tuscany is the centralized drinking fountains. With a region so dedicated to providing safe, sanitary and reliable water to both its residents and visitors, the transition from mechanical meters to Itron’s smart water meters across Publiacqua’s service territory ensures water is efficiently managed throughout the network, including to residential homes and public drinking fountains, helping to preserve the region’s historic charm,” said Justin Patrick, senior vice president of Device Solutions at Itron. “Our meters enable the utility to reduce water loss, improve customer engagement and achieve sustainability goals.”

Itron’s Intelis wSource water meter introduces innovative features designed to transform water network operations. Enhancing network visibility, minimizing water loss, and ensuring accurate billing, this solution sets a new industry standard for metering performance. As the only water meter on the market MID-certified for R1000 accuracy, it excels in detecting household leaks and measuring low-flow water usage with unparalleled precision. By optimizing resource management, utilities can improve efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.