Resilience Scanner

Smart Water Metering for Real-Time Distribution Network Management

Solution Overview

Smart metering technology in Belgrade's water distribution network collects and transmits real-time water usage data from residential and industrial end users to improve monitoring and management capabilities.[1] The Belgrade Water and Wastewater Company (BVK) operates approximately 3,200 km of pressurized supply grid piping system with various diameter sizes, producing about 7,300 L per second of water.[3] This approach enhances network operations through improved data collection while addressing water conservation and system efficiency challenges.

Technical Components

Smart meters function as data collection devices that gather and transmit real-time water usage information from both residential and industrial end users throughout the distribution network.[1] The technology enables continuous monitoring of consumption patterns across the extensive infrastructure operated by BVK, which encompasses approximately 3,200 km of pressurized piping systems with various diameter configurations.[3] Most small farms around Belgrade that use fresh water for irrigation have built-in water meters, though these facilities are currently registered as household consumers rather than agricultural users.[3] The usage data collected by these systems assists in reducing water loss, demand forecasting, and optimizing network operations while increasing community water efficiency.[1]

Benefits and Impacts

Studies have demonstrated a decrease of 7-22% in water consumption following the installation of metering technologies.[1] Research indicates that short-term water savings between 2.5% and 28% can be achieved through consumption-based feedback delivered in near-real time.[2] In controlled studies, treatment group households reduced their water consumption by approximately 3.9% on average (4.1% median value) relative to their pre-treatment baseline period.[2] These relative consumption changes corresponded to an average water consumption decrease of 14.8 L per day for each household during the short-term period.[2] An example in Singapore, where water usage is already low for a developed country, showed smart metering reduced consumption by a further 5%.[1] A trial by SUEZ and the Singaporean water authority PUB, which involved smart meters in 1,000 households and an app that rewarded users for certain results, led to a 5% reduction in daily water consumption.[1] Further studies have shown smart metering saving up to 46% of total water usage for customers through finding leaks.[1] Water conservation behaviors promoted by smart meter-based consumption feedback and digital user engagement persisted more than two years after the beginning of the program, especially for households receiving sub-daily smart meter information.[2]

Climate Adaptation Relevance

Smart metering technology addresses climate adaptation challenges by improving water resource management and reducing system losses during periods of increased water stress. The enhanced monitoring capabilities enable more efficient distribution network operations and demand forecasting, which become increasingly critical as climate variability affects water availability and consumption patterns.

[1]: Source 1 [2]: Source 2 [3]: Source 3

Sources