Smarter water networks, smarter cities
Utilities face common issues globally — difficulty prioritising infrastructure maintenance, inaccurate billing and revenue loss due to leaks of billable water. Climate challenges are also making water a scarce resource that we can’t afford to lose to leaks.
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) has shifted how utilities connect with their networks and communities. As water challenges grow more complex, AMI acts as the critical bridge between infrastructure and insight, turning passive networks into intelligent systems that predict and adapt.
You have a challenge? AMI can solve it
Water utilities face a perfect storm of challenges that demand innovative solutions. Ageing infrastructure, stressed watersheds and rising community expectations are colliding at a time when most companies rely on outdated measurement systems.
This disconnect between growing water management challenges and limited network visibility creates an unsustainable cycle that impacts both operations and community trust. Without accurate, real-time data, utilities remain perpetually reactive rather than proactive, discovering problems only after damage is done.
Smart water networks and powerful business transformation can set the foundation for the utilities of the future in several ways:
-
Digital empowerment
Intelligent meters enable near-real-time monitoring, platforms for urgent municipal alerts and remote connectivity on a network.
-
Data analytics
Implementation of smart meters transforms business processes for greater efficiency, reduces the labour of manual meter monitoring and minimises billing inaccuracies.
-
Predictive analytics
Smart meter data enables better infrastructure planning by identifying leaks early with remote sensors to a digital twin, allowing for proactive repairs and maintenance to prevent costly water main breaks.
-
Customer service excellence
Smart meters provide accurate billing information and near-real-time monitoring for clients and customers.
-
Communication networks
Accurate and timely data from smart meters improves customer service and reduces environmental impact by enabling early leak detection and conservation efforts.
Smart water playbook: advanced metering infrastructure
We've partnered with the Water Research Foundation (WRF) and the Smart Water Network Forum (SWAN) on a must-have guide for advanced metering infrastructure.
Based on a survey of 55 global utilities across 22 countries, the playbook is a practical, actionable resource for utilities at every stage of their AMI implementation.
The research found that customer service and engagement, integrated distribution network management and revenue recovery, billing optimisation and cost savings are the top three drivers for smarter metering. However, a number of challenges remain, with concerns around technology, cost and IT/OT integration.
With valuable insights and case studies, the playbook helps water companies and utilities build compelling business cases, navigate procurement and secure long-term value.
The playbook uncovers the drivers and benefits of AMI, identifying a number of key findings:
- Smart metering delivers value beyond billing
- Success requires cross-functional alignment
- Communication networks are strategic assets
- Metering data is the real value driver
- Smart metering is not one-size-fits-all
Get the playbook
To access the playbook and the survey, you must first register for a free WRF account. You will be redirected to a third-party site.
Want to learn more about AMI? Contact us below.
Realising the benefits of AMI and smart metering
Advanced metering infrastructure transforms how utilities operate. Unlike traditional meters that require manual readings, AMI establishes an intelligent, smarter and connected network that automatically collects and transmits detailed consumption data. This two-way communication system enables remote monitoring, precise billing and early leak detection, all while reducing operational costs and improving service reliability.
We're entering the post-digital era where the smart water meter is still a billing device but also a sensor that forms the backbone of an intelligent, responsive water network. Utilities can now harness this communication network not just for operations, but to support real-time safety alerts, targeted emergency response and greater community resilience.