Tuscany water provider Publiacqua to roll out smart meters
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Publiacqua is to modernise its network with Itron’s Intelis wSource ultrasonic smart water meters to reduce losses and improve customer engagement.
Publiaqua, which provides water for 1.3 million residents across Tuscany, Italy, intends to upgrade its current mechanical meters with Itron’s latest generation smart meters that are designed to both tackle non-revenue water and better engage with customers.
The meters are equipped with advanced leak detection technology with other features including remote meter reading collection, precise monitoring of distribution flow as well as detection and quantification of backflow, precise hourly consumption data logging and accurate billing.
“The deployment of smart meters marks a pivotal step forward in Publiacqua’s efforts to modernise our water network, advance sustainability, reduce water loss and deliver safe and reliable water to the residents of Tuscany,” said Cristiano Agostini, COO at Publiacqua and manager of the project, which forms part of a broader initiative to digitise the distribution network.
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“With real time leak detection, enhanced accuracy and optimised water delivery, this technology empowers us to vastly reduce the amount of water lost through our distribution system. Beyond operational benefits, this investment reflects our ongoing commitment to better managing and conserving this precious resource while deepening engagement with the 1.3 million customers we serve in the Tuscany region.”
Itron points to its Intelis wSource meter as the only water meter on the market MID-certified for R1000 accuracy, able to measure low flow water usage and detect leaks with high precision.
Justin Patrick, senior vice president of Device Solutions at Itron, highlights as a unique feature of Tuscany, as a popular tourist destination, its centralised drinking fountains.
“With a region so dedicated to providing safe, sanitary and reliable water to both its residents and visitors, the transition from mechanical meters to Itron’s smart water meters across Publiacqua’s service territory ensures water is efficiently managed throughout the network, including to residential homes and public drinking fountains, helping to preserve the region’s historic charm.”
