WATER UTILITIES
Transforming the Industry, Drop by Drop
With advancements in smart meters and low power wide area networks, water utilities can automate meter reading, monitor for leaks, optimize operations, improve billing, and incentivize water conservation.
Netmore’s LoRaWAN networks designed for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) are among the most capable. They are high-density, built with abundant capacity, and secure. The resulting benefits increase economic and environmental value by transitioning away from error prone manual processes and closed proprietary systems.
What we’re seeing is not just technology adoption, but a wider shift towards smarter, more sustainable data-driven operations. With Netmore as a partner, water utilities are not only adapting to change, but actively shaping a more efficient and sustainable future.
Why Utilities Choose to Work with Netmore
For water utilities, Netmore is more than a network provider. We are a world-leading digital transformation technology company. Our communication platform and business approach are designed to reduce risk and deliver maximum long-term value for your organization.
Domain Expertise
Netmore has developed a proven methodology for designing, building, and managing highly scalable, secure, and cost-effective low power wide area networks. More than a network provider, we have become a trusted expert in leading full-scale AMI, smart metering, and water management projects.
Interoperability
Our platform architecture supports a combination of standards-based Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies that optimizes coverage while simultaneously addressing the inefficiencies, high operational costs, and vendor lock-in associated with legacy solutions.
Cost Predictability
Netmore’s per-device pricing and service level commitments provide customers with full cost control. SLAs for mission critical applications can be customized through individual commercial agreements, optimizing performance for project success and ROI.
Focus on Sustainability
Our future-proof network is developed for optimal IoT connectivity and scalability to help our customers save water, energy, money, and time. Ultimately, enabling you to accomplish more with less.
Domain Expertise
Netmore has developed a proven methodology for designing, building, and managing highly scalable, secure, and cost-effective low power wide area networks. More than a network provider, we have become a trusted expert in leading full-scale AMI, smart metering, and water management projects.
Interoperability
Our platform architecture supports a combination of standards-based Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies that optimizes coverage while simultaneously addressing the inefficiencies, high operational costs, and vendor lock-in associated with legacy solutions.
Cost Predictability
Netmore’s per-device pricing and service level commitments provide customers with full cost control. SLAs for mission critical applications can be customized through individual commercial agreements, optimizing performance for project success and ROI.
Focus on Sustainability
Our future-proof network is developed for optimal IoT connectivity and scalability to help our customers save water, energy, money, and time. Ultimately, enabling you to accomplish more with less.
Products & Services for Water Utilities
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
Metering-as-a-Service (MaaS)
Supporting your success every step of the way
Netmore’s managed network services offer lower total cost of ownership, faster implementation, and rapid scalability, all while delivering the service levels and support expected from an industry leader. Understanding that all projects are unique, we offer as little or as much support as you need to meet your program and sustainability goals.
Project Oversight
For customers who need it, Netmore can act as the prime contractor for AMI deployment overseeing the entire lifecycle of the project from initial planning and budgeting to execution and completion. Optional services include:
- Define project scope, timelines, milestones, and resource allocation
- Vendor acquisition and resource management
- Hardware selection (meters, communication devices), procurement, and provisioning
- Network deployment and meter installation
- Systems integration and testing
Network Design & RF Planning
When building a LoRaWAN network, key considerations include designing a robust network architecture that aligns with RF planning and coverage analysis to ensure optimal signal strength and range. Network capacity, redundancy, and scalability must be planned to accommodate future growth and minimize downtime. A thorough site survey assessment is essential for identifying suitable locations, while selecting the right hardware and equipment ensures reliable operation. Finally, infrastructure integration planning is critical for seamlessly incorporating the network into existing systems.
- Network architecture design
- RF planning and coverage analysis
- Network capacity, redundancy, and scalability planning
- Site survey assessment
- Hardware and equipment selection
- Infrastructure integration planning
Equipment Procurement & Logistics
Managing an advanced meter infrastructure project involves strategically procuring compatible meters and ensuring smooth logistics. This includes selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, coordinating deliveries, and overseeing installations. Effective procurement and logistics are key to optimizing resources, minimizing delays, and enhancing system performance.
- Source and procure meters, communication devices, and other necessary equipment
- Logistics management & inventory control
- Identify additional capabilities to maximise efficiencies
- Strong partnerships with multiple vendors
Network Deployment
Netmore can rapidly establish network coverage in nearly any region by leveraging radio towers, rooftops, commercial partnerships, indoor gateways, and client assets to build a robust infrastructure. This involves efficiently handling key processes such as site selection and preparation, followed by the installation of gateway infrastructure. The network is integrated and tested to ensure smooth operation, with continuous monitoring and optimization for optimal performance. As demand grows, network densification is carried out to enhance coverage and capacity, while ongoing maintenance ensures long-term reliability and stability of the network.
- Site selection and preparation
- Installation of gateways infrastructure
- System Integration and Testing
- Monitor and Optimization
- Network densification as required
- Ongoing maintenance
Installation & Configuration
To ensure optimal performance of LoRaWAN smart water meters, best practices include selecting ideal installation sites, and securely mounting and accurately provisioning them. Following these steps enhances monitoring accuracy, network efficiency, and system reliability.
- Meter provisioning & installation
- Simple to use installation tool
- Easy integration with users’ systems
- Optimisation of sensor placement
- Co-ordination with 3rd party installers, if required
AMI Network Operation & Management
Robust managed network services are crucial for the effective operation of a water utility’s advanced metering infrastructure. These services ensure reliable data transmission, system uptime, and security for the complex network of smart meters and communication devices. Continuous monitoring, proactive maintenance, and swift issue resolution help optimize performance, reduce operational disruptions, and support accurate and timely water usage data.
- Real-time reporting on meter & sensor functionality, battery, performance, and more
- 24/7/365 Network Operations Centre, supporting throughout your journey
- Guaranteed SLAs
- 99.9%+ Network and Server uptime
Results Driven Customer Success
Smart water meters, leveraging the capabilities of LoRaWAN AMI infrastructure, have significantly transformed water utilities across the globe. These systems have the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainable water use by providing real-time data and analytics for precise control and monitoring of water consumption patterns.
Trusted By
Netmore has been selected by Yorkshire Water as the lead partner to exchange 1.3 million water meters across the Yorkshire region, a program running concurrently with smart meter deployments that began in 2022 for the provisioning of meters for up to 360k households, including new developments and Domestic Metered Optants.
In collaboration with Diehl Metering, Netmore Group is providing LoRaWAN connectivity for 76,000 smart water meters in South West England. This initiative, part of South West Water’s Green Recovery Initiative, spans five years and emphasizes efficient water management through advanced data-driven solutions.
Netmore, in collaboration with Dahl Sverige, is facilitating the digital transition of VA SYD by integrating 65,000 advanced water meters. This strategic partnership aims to leverage the capabilities of LoRaWAN technology to ensure precise measurements and streamlined communication. VA SYD, overseeing five key municipalities, remains a significant player in Sweden’s water and sewage sector.
The initial smart metering program with Netmore launched in 2022 has helped Yorkshire Water deliver the first 500,000 litres of leakage reduction, by identifying water leakage on customers pipes.
Featured Resources
Low Power Wide Area Networks for Water Metering
Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) connectivity technologies, and particularly the LoRaWAN wireless networking standard, are well-suited to supporting smart water metering.
So well suited are LPWAN technologies for smart water metering, that Transforma Insights forecasts 88% of smart water meters will be connected using LPWA technologies in 2033.
LoRaWAN offers utilities:
- Low costs of meter communications modules and low network connectivity costs.
- Low power consumption and long meter battery life. Meters are often expected to operate for 15 years or more.
- Wide-area coverage, including broad outdoor coverage and good indoor penetration to reach devices that may not be ideally located from a radio-propagation perspective.
A Selection of IoT applications for Water Utilities and Municipalities
Smart water metering leverages LoRaWAN technology to enable accurate, real-time monitoring and management of water consumption and leak detection for enhanced efficiency and resource optimization in utilities.
Leakage detection leverages LoRaWAN technology to swiftly identify and locate water leaks, minimizing water loss and optimizing maintenance efforts for water utilities.
Track water flow and pressure in water pipes to detect leaks, optimize distribution and prevent pipe bursts.
Measure the water level in tanks, reservoirs or natural bodies of water to optimize pumping and prevent overflows.
Monitor the health and status of water infrastructure components (pipes, pumps) to predict maintenance needs and prevent failures.
Manhole and well monitoring utilizes LoRaWAN technology to provide real-time insights and remote management of underground assets, optimizing maintenance and reducing operational costs for water utilities.
Monitor fire hydrant water pressure to ensure adequate availability of water for fire suppression
Groundwater monitoring solutions deliver real-time data on water table levels, ensuring effective resource management and early detection of potential environmental risks for water utilities.
Collect meteorological data and measure gauge sensor rainfall to manage water resources and predict flooding.
Detect and analyze the chemical and physical properties of water to ensure it meets safety and quality standards.
Automate and manage the operation of pumps and valves based on water level, pressure or demand.
Detect unauthorized access or tampering at water facilities or critical infrastructure and activate remotely alarm.