Apparent losses caused by water meter inaccuracies at ultralow flows

Richards, Gregory L.; Johnson, Michael C.; Barfuss, Steven L.

doi:10.1002/j.1551-8833.2010.tb10115.x

Cited by 33 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…One of the disadvantages of oscillating piston meters is their sensitivity to suspended solids in water (Arregui et al, 2006b). Although 15 mm displacement meters (nutating disc and oscillating piston) are unrivalled for accuracy (Richards et al, 2010) and widely used in developed countries, they are not suitable for the KWDN, and, most likely, other water utilities in developing countries with similar water system characteristics. Inferential water meters are less affected because only part of the turbine is in the stream and does not get blocked up with particulates in water.…”

Section: Meter Failure Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, most studies carried out on metering have been based on water utilities of developed countries, with well-managed water distribution networks, notably the USA, Spain, France, and Italy (Arregui et al, 2006a;Criminisi et al, 2009;Pasanisi and Parent, 2004;Richards et al, 2010). Water meter performance in water systems of the developing countries, often with poorlymanaged networks and relatively lower water quality in the distribution system, is not very well understood.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Investigating water meter performance in developing countries: A case study of Kampala, Uganda

Mutikanga¹,

Sharma²,

Vairavamoorthy³

2011

WSA

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High levels of water losses in distribution systems are the main challenge that water utilities in developing countries currently face. The water meter is an essential tool for both the utility and the customers to measure and monitor consumption. When metering is inefficient and coupled with low tariffs, the financial sustainability of utilities is at stake. Apparent water losses caused by metering inefficiencies can be reduced by assessing meters' performance and identifying the main causes of inefficiency. This paper examines the performance of 3 meter models, on the basis of failure records for a developing world water utility in Kampala city, Uganda. The influence of sub-metering on meter accuracy is also examined. The results indicate a high meter failure rate (6.6%/year) in Kampala. Over 75% of failures were observed in the volumetric (oscillating-piston) meter types with the main cause of meter failure being particulates in water. The study also indicates an average reduction in revenue water registration of 18% due to sub-metering. The reduction was not because of water use efficiency but due to the combined effect of the metering errors of the sub-meters. This clearly implies that when properties are sub-metered, customers should be charged proportionately based on master meter readings, for accurate water accountability. The findings of this study will be useful for both utility managers and meter manufacturers who work in the water industry, especially in developing countries, to make appropriate metering and sub-metering decisions.

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Section: Meter Failure Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating water meter performance in developing countries: A case study of Kampala, Uganda

Mutikanga¹,

Sharma²,

Vairavamoorthy³

2011

WSA

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Since then, recipients have had doubts as to the metered water consumption [2,5,[9][10][11]. As technology developed, so too did monitoring.…”

Section: Monitoring Of Water Service Pipesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Devices like digital loggers, ultrasound, static, or electromagnetic, together with computer software, make it possible to quickly display detailed monitoring data. The benefits of such methods are significant, including determination of correct water meter selection in a given building or determining the efficiency of internal water supply systems [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monitoring of water supply connections as an element to reduce apparent losses of water?

Gwoździej-Mazur

2017

E3S Web Conf.

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Abstract. Measuring instruments are designed to measure a given physical value, to process the obtained information and forward it to the observer. They are designed to perform specific tasks in specific working conditions and meeting the envisaged requirements. The most important requirement to be met by measuring instruments, is to preserve the established metrological characteristics. The basic and most common instrument for measuring the volume of flowing water is the water meter. Selecting the right water meter in the operating conditions is not an easy issue. The problem has been further intensified by decrease of water consumption which began in the 90s of the twentieth century and continuing to the present day. As a result, there has changed the structure of water consumption in both the residential and industrial applications. In this situation, a right selection of the optimal water meter it is an important case.The article presents the results of research in the field of characteristic flows in the water supply connections in multi-family housing using modern monitoring systems. It has been presented the calculated inequality ratio of water consumption, which can be helpful when designing a plumbing systems. In addition, the structure of water consumption due to the typical flow ranges was determined.

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“…An understanding of the capabilities of different meter types to record low flow rates can be helpful for utilities to increase efficiency and reduce apparent losses (Richards et al, 2010). Since meter 3 accuracy varies most at low flow rates for the various meter designs there is also the most potential for changes in accuracy with increasing flow throughput at these flow rates (Arregui et al, 2005).…”

Section: List Of Tablesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revenue recovery through meter replacement

Shields

Barfuss²,

Johnson³

2012

Journal AWWA

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Previous studies have identified water meter inaccuracy at low flow rates as a significant source of nonrevenue flow for water systems; however, a lack of available data makes it difficult to include low‐flow accuracy and accuracy degradation in meter replacement plans. This article examines results from an extensive accuracy program carried out at the Utah Water Research Laboratory on small water meters over a wide range of flow rates and at various levels of throughput. The article compares expected apparent losses of different types of water meters based on a flow profile and expected daily use for the state of California. By including an average composite charging rate, the method developed in this study can determine the meter replacement payback period for different meter types. The analysis contained in this document is intended as a guide to assist utility managers when meter replacement plans are being developed.

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Apparent losses caused by water meter inaccuracies at ultralow flows

Cited by 33 publications

References 3 publications

Investigating water meter performance in developing countries: A case study of Kampala, Uganda

Investigating water meter performance in developing countries: A case study of Kampala, Uganda

Monitoring of water supply connections as an element to reduce apparent losses of water?

Revenue recovery through meter replacement

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