Considering the connectivity options for a smart water management system deployment

Abstract

Smart water utility management is gaining strong momentum as it can help to identify leaks and control the water flow, level and pressure. The latter can be used to reduce leaks, reduce bursts and prolong the life of pipes. All these factors improve the efficiency of water usage and service delivery. Management functions may include monitoring and control. Both require reliable and secure connectivity between the operator at a management plant, i.e. to connect to a node with a flow or level meter or a valve. In remote locations, the connectivity options are usually limited. This paper overviews a spectrum and throughput measurement campaign made to determine some of the options for connectivity for a pilot installation on an existing water distribution network. It was found that for the area of interest, a mobile network offers the most straightforward solution.