American Water announced a first in water retention technology, a program that uses acoustic information from an automatic meter reading (AMR) system to find and water leaks. Traditionally difficult to detect, leaky water pipes cost both companies and consumers millions of dollars every year. Most aren’t even aware that leaks exist.
The AMR program, which is being piloted in Connellsville PA, is hooked in through water meters, and uses a sensor developed by Flow Metrix to record sound vibrations over a period of 4 hours a night. The information is analyzed and if a leak is discovered, the device will also rate the severity.
Connellsville was chosen for its unique geography. Built on a hillside, most leaks happen underground, and flow to the nearby Youghioghen River undetected. Water loss is a huge concern for the city, and has been a strong financial incentive for effective leakage reduction.
