Earlier this year, Smart Water Magazine and Xylem organized a webinar where water industry experts explored how real-time data analytics and District Metered Areas (DMAs) can drive significant improvements in water-loss control for utilities worldwide. The session, titled Leveraging Real-Time Data Analytics and DMAs for Water-Loss Control provided a platform for discussing innovative solutions aimed at reducing non-revenue water (NRW) and advancing sustainable water management.
Manuel Parra, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Xylem, opened the session by addressing the critical "Data Challenge." Parra emphasized that the sheer volume of data available to utilities is not the primary hurdle; rather, it is how this data is integrated and used effectively across organizational silos. By ensuring that data is accessible and actionable in real-time, utilities can support operators and managers in making proactive, informed decisions to enhance system performance.
The discussion then highlighted the collaboration between Xylem and Idrica, with Pablo Calabuig, Vice President for the Americas Region at Idrica, elaborating on the development of Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua. This innovative platform integrates various data sources, enabling utilities to unify information streams and improve water management processes. Calabuig explained how the platform’s holistic approach allows for real-time insights, enabling utilities to monitor water networks, detect issues promptly, and respond efficiently.
A key focus of the webinar was the challenge of non-revenue water (NRW), which affects utilities globally. Calabuig outlined strategies to mitigate NRW, such as advanced metering and implementing virtual DMAs (vDMAs). Levering vDMAs, utilities can identify and address leaks swiftly, minimizing disruptions and optimizing network performance. Case studies demonstrated the effectiveness of Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua, with examples from the U.S. and Europe showcasing significant reductions in water losses and energy consumption.
