The Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) has formed a new strategic liaison with the LoRa Alliance® to advance “smart,” data-driven solutions in water networks, and drive adoption of the LoRaWAN® open standard in the water metering sector.
This agreement will build off of each organization’s vibrant membership pool and promote Internet of Things (IoT) deployments for smart network coverage. As LoRaWAN technology further expands its global footprint, utilities broadly—and water metering in particular—remain the leading application for low power wide area networking (LPWAN) technologies and will occupy the largest market segment over the next five years, a market study by IoT Analytics shows. Representing 30% of the installed base by 2025, utilities counts by far the most use cases and will continue to do so.
“Given the significant market opportunity, our two organizations will work together to drive a number of marketing initiatives with members,” said Donna Moore, CEO and Chairwoman of the LoRa Alliance. “This work will strengthen the ecosystem and bring valuable solutions to utility companies and public utilities end-customers across the globe.”
The benefits that IoT and LoRaWAN connectivity can bring to the water metering market are significant. LoRaWAN’s ability to communicate over long distances and through barriers (concrete, underground) at low cost per connection make it ideal for metering applications. Some key applications for utilities include access to real-time data, which enables leak identification, conservation of natural resources and saves end-users money; and that utilities can monitor water quality to ensure consumer safety, provide proper water distribution, plan for water availability through peak periods, and conduct correct billing management.
The benefits that IoT and LoRaWAN connectivity can bring to the water metering market are significant
Commenting on the collaboration, LoRaWAN Ambassador Gary Stuebing from member company Cisco stated, "As water metering is one of the leading use cases for LoRaWAN, there is a strong value proposition for utilities to benefit from this liaison between the two ecosystems to enhance the digitization of water utilities."
Amir Cahn, Executive Director of the SWAN Forum, added, “We are thrilled to partner with the LoRa Alliance and accelerate wireless integration that drives innovation across the global water sector, especially as remote working becomes the new reality and utilities seek continuity of operations.”
The two organizations recently collaborated on a webinar titled “LoRaWAN Solutions for Smart Water Management," featuring several LoRa Alliance members and SWAN Council Member Fred Royan, VP of Sustainability and Circular Economy at Frost & Sullivan. The webinar focused on how the LoRaWAN standard can be used to manage water metering, leak detection, water quality, and more. A recording of the webinar is available here.
