Smart Water Networks Can Save Utilities Billions Each Year
According to research, smart water networks can save utilities around the world approximately $12.5 billion a year.
In a new research paper, commissioned by Sensus, published in a white paper titled Water 20/20: Bringing Smart Water Networks into Focus, it is shown that 180 utilities can save up to $12.5 billion each year. A smart water network is an integrated set of products, solutions, and systems, enabling utilities to remotely and continuously monitor and diagnose problems, prioritize, manage maintenance issues, and use data to optimize all aspects of water distribution network performance.
onstrates that leakage, water quality monitoring, and network operations can experience significant savings after switching to a smart water network. According to the utilities interviewed for the report, the companies spend an estimated $9.6 billion in water leakage costs alone. Just by using a smart water network, those companies could effectively remedy and prevent those leaks, saving an immense amount of money.
“Water utilities are under pressure from growing demand, aging water systems and increasing energy prices,” said Peter Mainz, CEO and president of Sensus. “Smart water networks can ease that pressure and save utilities worldwide billions of dollars each year. These savings mean more than 5 percent of utilities’ budgets could be reinvested to improve water networks and help address the global water scarcity crisis.”
It’s estimated that 4.6 billion people will experience water scarcity conditions within the next decade and by utilities switching to smart water networks, some of that water may be saved which in turn could help the world deal with the water shortage crisis.
“The savings and environmental and societal benefits we’ve identified are only possible if we start working together,” said Mainz. “‘Business as usual’ means more of the usual losses – of both water and money. If we act now to implement smart water networks, we will preserve this vital resource for future generations.”