Maximizing efficiency in water networks with data-driven solutions and water loss management
When emergencies dominate daily operations, a crucial question arises: how can water network operators regain control of their systems? What strategies can be implemented to reduce water losses, particularly when resources are scarce and every lost cubic meter directly affects both operational costs and consumer bills?
On Tuesday, October 22nd at 15:00 CEST, Diehl Metering in collaboration with Smart Water Magazine will explore the critical challenges facing water network operators today during a one-hour online seminar. During the webinar, Thorkil Neergaard, CEO of Brønderslev Forsyning in Denmark and Maximilian Oberndoerfer, Product Manager for analytics software solutions in water and heat at DIEHL Metering, will share their expertise on how data-driven strategies can help address these challenges, showcasing the role of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in achieving profitability while minimizing water losses.
WLM provides a daily overview of the entire water distribution network with minimal time invested
Today, we have spoken with Maximilian Oberndoerfer to learn more about the upcoming online webinar and Diehl Metering’s Water Loss Management (WLM) digital solutions.
How does the Water Loss Management (WLM) software empower water network operators to regain control over daily operations, especially during emergency situations?
WLM provides a daily overview of the entire water distribution network with minimal time invested. Water network operators need to spend little to no time determining areas or DMAs that require field work and can assign their resources as efficiently as possible. In emergency situations, this creates the necessary clarity and reduces the time needed to return to normal operations.
Equipped with smart, self-learning algorithms WLM detects leakage before existing methods can (e.g., minimum night flow monitoring), enabling better planning of leak reduction initiatives.
With WLM’s pipe risk module, it is additionally possible to shorten leak search time by investigating pipes with the highest risk first. At the same time, this information may also be used to plan pipe renewals which will prevent future pipe bursts and leakage.
With sustainability being a growing concern, how can water network operators use WLM software to align with sustainability goals and minimize environmental impacts?
By automating tedious data gathering, cleaning and aggregation tasks, WLM enables water network operators to focus on more impactful work areas
WLM’s inherent purpose is to reduce water loss. WLM strives to achieve this purpose by turning existing data of water distribution networks into actions that reduce real water loss with as little delay as possible.
In addition, WLM provides detailed reporting functionality that covers both the network (e.g., a DMA) and individual water loss events. By automating tedious data gathering, cleaning and aggregation tasks, WLM enables water network operators to focus on more impactful work areas.
What advice would you give to water operators who are hesitant to invest in AMI or WLM software due to cost concerns?
Investing in infrastructure such as AMI undoubtedly comes with a cost. Considering the many challenges, we all face – shortage of skilled workers, supply chain disruptions, wars and armed conflicts, climate change and corresponding water scarcity – we must think of the cost that not taking action now incurs on ourselves and the next generations. When looking at these challenges, the decision to make an initial investment may be easier than expected.
Having data, but only using it for simple purposes such as billing, leverages only a small fraction of its true value. Analytics solutions, such as WLM, enable the use of all the available data leading to significant improvements in the lives of water network operators.
How do you see advancements in digital water management evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what role will technologies like WLM software and AMI play in that future?
Due to the challenges mentioned before but also increased regulatory pressure, managing water must become increasingly digital. I believe we will see most advancements in automatic operation of water distribution networks and their digitally connected components (e.g., remotely controlled valves). With a true digital representation of water distribution networks, a near perfect, demand-driven supply of water will be possible.
AMI will provide the fundament for operating efficient water distribution networks
Technologies such as AMI will become critical and ubiquitous infrastructure. AMI will provide the fundament for operating efficient water distribution networks. Analytics solutions, such as WLM, will become paramount in making sense of the vast amounts of data obtained via the digital infrastructure (e.g., AMI) and translating it into actions.
Finally, on Tuesday, October 22nd, Diehl Metering is organizing a webinar on leveraging real-time data analytics for water loss reduction. Why is this webinar interesting for the water sector?
We will present what is currently possible with existing technologies, not in theory but in practice. For that purpose, we will hear about the experience of using AMI and WLM from Thorkil Neergaard of Brønderslev Forsyning. We will not only highlight the technological advantages, but also discuss the economic considerations of implementing such a solution. With this transparency, we hope to show why acting now is not only possible but needed.