Yorkshire Water is leading the way in modernising water management through the deployment of 1.3 million smart water meters across the region. In partnership with Netmore Group, this ambitious project leverages LoRaWAN technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve leak detection and empower customers with greater insight into their water consumption. This initiative is setting a new benchmark for utility providers seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
THE CHALLENGE
Yorkshire Water faced increasing pressure to reduce water leakage, improve operational efficiency and meet regulatory demands for sustainability. Traditional water metering systems, reliant on manual readings and cellular networks, posed significant challenges:
- High Operational Costs: Manual meter reading and maintenance of cellular-based systems were costly and inefficient.
- Limited Coverage: Cellular networks struggled to provide reliable connectivity in underground and remote locations.
- Environmental Impact: Water loss from undetected leaks and inefficient monitoring conflicted with sustainability goals.
THE SOLUTION
Yorkshire Water partnered with Netmore Group to implement a smart metering solution powered by LoRaWAN technology. This solution provided:
- Robust Network Architecture: A three-layer network combining 8,200 high tower sites and 2,400 monopoles for umbrella coverage, supplemented by mid-layer gateways and targeted indoor solutions to ensure 90% dual gateway connectivity.
- Advanced Data Management: Millions of daily meter readings processed through Netmore’s platform, enabling real-time leak detection and detailed consumption insights.
- Long-Term Sustainability: LoRaWAN meters with up to 15 years of battery life significantly reduced maintenance costs and supported environmental goals by identifying leaks early and reducing water waste.
RESULTS
- Over 1,000 customer-side leaks were identified in the initial rollout.
- 1.22 megaliters of water saved daily during the early phase.
- Anticipated reduction of 8 megaliters of leakage per day and a 2-liter per person daily drop in household consumption upon full deployment.
- Anticipated 15% reduction of nonhousehold water demand by 2050.
- Meter batteries lasting up to 15 years, reducing maintenance costs.
– James Wilson, Manager of Smart Metering Delivery, Yorkshire WaterAfter thorough evaluation, we’re confident that Netmore will help us achieve our goals in leakage reduction, water efficiency, customer experience, and operational carbon emissions.
