Helping utilities implement IoT-enabled technologies that provide actionable data

To learn more about IoT-enabled solutions, call 1.844.4.H2O.DATA Preparing for smart The Mi.Net System’s seamless communication capabilities are key to IoT, p. 8

Experts weigh in on approaches and trends for building a smart utility, p. 4

What an Internet- of-Things (IoT) driven water network looks like, p. 6 Table of Contents Common Utility Challenges

How IoT and Data Are Helping Utilities IoT, or “Internet of Things,” is a nexus of technologies incorporating sensor-based data gathering and next-generation networking. The smart technology platform harnesses this IoT networking through the deployment of smart devices a publication of mueller water products using advanced wireless technologies for remote monitoring and management of water networks. This allows utilities Learn more to tackle problems facing the industry today, such as an aging workforce and the need for real-time about the monitoring. Below are five common challenges utilities face that can be addressed with data-driven solutions. impact of IoT In This Issue Challenge Data-Driven Solutions and data Call 1.844.4.H2O.DATA 3 Common Utility Challenges Traditionally, utilities replaced parts of their water mains or distribution networks (1.844.442.6328) to arrange for How IoT and Data are Helping Utilities without having access to information about the condition of the pipes. In many New cutting-edge technologies incorporate sensor- a customized presentation Aging cases, entire lengths of pipe were in good condition, with only parts of them needing based data gathering Infrastructure immediate replacement. Gathering actionable data about the water network enables for your utility. utilities to decide on rehabilitation schedules and the methods used, with focus on 4 From the Experts intelligent capital and operational expense planning and controls. Industry Leaders Offer Insight on Smart Water Distribution Systems Q&As with Singapore PUB, American Water, Booky Oren and Echologics With the average age of water utility operators currently standing at 55, water Increasing utilities face the retirement of a large portion of their workforce in the next 10 to 15 6 Intelligent Water Technology Aging/Retiring years. Along with the loss of skilled personnel will come the loss of system knowledge Efficiencies With IoT-Driven Water Networks Workforce accumulated over their careers. IoT technologies will play a critical role in helping Visibility, control and optimization of utility operations to avert this, through the capture, centralization and sharing of data that secure Data-Driven and flexible backhaul approaches collective utility expertise for future generations of water network operators. Solutions 8 Smart Meters Mi.Net® System Prepares Utilities for Full Smart Cities Infrastructure Aging water infrastructure has become a reality for Non-Revenue Pressure is put on utilities to reduce water losses from both an environmental and Advanced network technology enables a complete many utilities, bringing additional challenges to those Water financial standpoint. Robust, simple detectors and algorithms enable utilities intelligent solution already facing water loss issues, scarce funding, an Management to differentiate between abnormal consumption (e.g., a running tap or a home pipe aging workforce and more. In other industries, “smart” 10 Monitoring and Control & Leak break) and leak events in the network. This capability can help prioritize repair needs Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are being utilized to Detection based on the severity and location of the leak. streamline processes and increase efficiencies with great EchoShore®-DX Technology Automates Leak success. Such technologies are now becoming available Detection for Smart Utilities for water utilities. Continuous remote monitoring for pipeline Smart utilities manage their assets through the use of includes data flexibility for utilities automated devices that enable the collection and analysis of 11 Monitoring and Control Real-Time, The advancements in online water quality sensors make it possible to monitor data on usage, flow rates, conditions and more. This enables Remote Meter Shutoff Technology Offers Online Water chlorine levels, pH and temperature in real time. Integrating such functionality with I them to take intelligent action that can reduce costs and Opportunity for Action Quality consumption and use-pattern data enables utilities to improve the operation of the nter ultimately deliver the best service to their customers. v

Disconnects and reconnects are made easier with Monitoring water distribution system, as as the service offered to their customers. and iews This publication, the Smart Water Handbook, is remote solution brought to you by Mueller Water Products, a single- D source supplier for utilities bringing leading technologies ata P

to the industry on AMI, leak detection, remote shutoff, ro v ided automated flushing, pressure management and more. Meters, sensors, leak detection and communication protocols are often installed from Interoperability B By Thanks to our partners and industry experts who shared multiple vendors within one distribution network, as utilities are typically reluctant of Smart R luetech their thoughts and insights on the following pages, we’ve to rely on a single vendor. Solutions such as the LoRa communications platform and Network defined what a smart water utility is and how smart www.smartwaterbook.com device-agnostic data analytics facilitate the integration of existing databases and Devices esearch technologies solve common challenges, as well as smart networks with new solutions. how utilities of any size can start implementing Copyright © 2016 Mueller Co. LLC. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks and patents and patent applications covering products marked with a “section symbol” § are IoT technologies. owned by Mueller Co. LLC or its affiliates. For details, visit www.mwppat.com.

2 smartwater HANDBOOK smartwater HANDBOOK 3 From the Experts

Industry Leaders Offer Insight on Smart Water Distribution Systems

Don Shields, P.E. Michael Toh Booky Oren Marc Bracken, P.E. Vice President & Director Director, (Network) Chairman and CEO, Vice President & General of Engineering, New Jersey Department, PUB, Singapore’s Booky Oren Global Manager, Echologics American Water National Water Agency Water Technologies

Is there a common Describe what smart water Can you provide an example Do the core technologies industry definition distribution looks like to you. of how water utilities are required to build a smart of a smart water utility? A smart water grid system integrates information effectively collecting and using data? water distribution system exist today? A smart water utility effectively manages its water and communications technologies (ICT) into the There are many with whom I am familiar, but no Five years ago, the technology did not exist. The resources and efficiently uses them to best deliver on management of the water distribution system. one utility has the perfect answer, so smart required low-power electronics with high both cost and quality to customers. It also collects Sensors, meters, digital controls and analytics systems continue to be an evolving “process.” Even onboard memory and industrial IoT communication and uses data efficiently to make informed decisions, are used to automate, monitor and control the a highly advanced water utility continues to put a technologies. We started using mesh network radio ensuring sustainability of its system. This definition transmission and distribution of water, ensuring that lot of effort into improving the way it is monitoring and achieved an 85% communication efficiency, has remained consistent throughout the industry; it is efficiently delivered only when and where it is the system. but there was still room for improvement. Last however, it is evolving with time. needed, and with good quality. Another dimension to this question is why a year, many technologies came to the market, an The advances in ICT enable us to capture and store utility needs a smart water system in the first example being LoRa from Semtech—a long-range, What is an example of how American Water is enormous pools of data, and to perform powerful place. Historically, water was managed based on low-power application that has plenty of bandwidth collecting and using data to optimize operations? analytics and predictive analysis to contribute toward assumption of use, and this is acceptable without and can send data up to 5 miles on a public network. American Water effectively monitors its system greater efficiency and effectiveness in our water any budget constraint and regulations. However, Previously, we were only getting around a 1,500- to collect and gather information to determine resource management. As our population continues budget constraints and regulations are a reality. foot range from spread-spectrum radios. Sending water quality, and for asset management purposes to grow, our water infrastructure must be ready to We are thus moving away from an era in which we data on a public network, rather than a proprietary where key aspects of the distribution systems are meet an increasing demand while maintaining good manage our infrastructure by assumption, to an era communication network, prevents utilities [from] monitored (e.g., pressure, flow and leaks). asset condition. There is an increasing need to leverage based on data and prioritization. The data obtained having to be stuck with one technology supplier While most of the data, such as pressure these innovative technologies in order to ensure our through smart water systems gives us the ability to and thus pushes suppliers to stay on the cutting and flow, is collected at short intervals (5 to 15 water infrastructure is sustainable and resilient. prioritize, to improve efficiency and to give better edge to retain a utility. The cost of using these minutes), leak detection is one area in particular service to our clients by reducing operational open communication networks will also go down as where American Water feels data gathered at What is an example of how PUB is collecting and expense and preventing the need for an increase in more companies use it; for example, smart waste 24-hour intervals is sufficient for operators using data in real time to optimize operations? water tariffs. collection where similar technology indicates when to identify leaks for the intervention teams to Presently, many of our operational processes, garbage bins are ready to be emptied. manage the issue. such as water leakage checks, quality checks and Which regions in the world would you say are A utility is thus waiting for technology that proves meter readings, are still done manually. Against the more progressive in terms of building smart it can solve issues. If smart water technologies can, for Michael Wolan backdrop of a shrinking and increasingly educated distribution systems? example, avoid false positives in leak detection and Senior Engineering Manager, labor force, the implementation of the smart The most progressive would be North America due thus prevent money being spent on checking these, New Jersey American Water water grid also helps us streamline our manpower to their wide adoption of AMR/AMI solutions—the the adoption of such technologies will increase.

What is required to increase adoption of smart basic platform for data is thus already there and I requirements and redesign our work processes by nter water technologies? one can simply change from AMR to AMI. There is Why should utilities invest in “outside the plant

automating daily tasks. v and iews Currently, there is a range of technologies available New ICT solutions are evolving based on utility also a lot of motivation from the EPA in the U.S., gate” data acquisition? in the market; however, to increase adoption, needs. As an example, we face a challenge in gathering which incentivizes adoption of smart distribution Traditional SCADA monitoring capabilities within a D we need to ensure the various systems are data on our pipelines that have a deep bury depth, systems. Furthermore, the largest market for treatment plant almost disappear as soon as the water ata P

interoperable. There are currently a number of data are lined, have undulating profiles and are difficult to smart distribution systems is also in the U.S. with leaves it, leaving most utilities operating with little to ro v collection systems in the market that work well access due to urban build-out. This makes it difficult its 350 million people. There might be a big market no information about the water moving through their ided independently. If these systems do indeed have to implement condition assessment technologies for these systems in China or another location in distribution system. IoT-based solutions enable utilities B By synergies, this could open up opportunities for on a large scale. However, once these challenges are the future, but the U.S. is still the most advanced to more efficiently manage operations and optimize R luetech integration with each other, and utilities can use surmounted, this data can be uploaded into an asset market in the world and thus companies approach capital investments. Having the ability to be proactive this data to track their systems in real time. management program to improve the identification of this market first. versus reactive is the key difference between smart esearch high-risk pipelines and prioritize renewal works. technology and a traditional approach.

To read the full executive briefings, visit www.smartwaterbook.com To read the full executive briefings, visit www.smartwaterbook.com

4 smartwater HANDBOOK smartwater HANDBOOK 5 IoT-Driven Water Networks To learn more Visibility, Control and Optimization of Utility Operations about IoT-enabled solutions, call 1.844.4.H2O.DATA Remote Meter Disconnect Transmission • Minimize crew dispatches Main Monitoring • Manage delinquent accounts • Identify leaks • Property damage avoidance • Mitigate failures • Seasonal water disconnects • Proactive repairs Pressure • Reduce costs Distribution Main • Reduce non-revenue Monitoring water • Identify leaks Temperature • Minimize water main • Reduce water loss Pipe Condition • Preserve dissolved breaks • Prioritize repairs • Prioritize replacement oxygen • Better manage • Reduce costs • Mitigate failures • Maintain water quality to reduce energy needs • Optimize capital plans • Improve public health Usage and Billing Residuals • Measure water usage • Maintain consistent • Conserve water water quality • Improve billing accuracy • Reduce customer complaints • Comply with U.S. EPA requirements • Lower operational costs

Flexible Backhaul Approaches Mueller Water Products’ companies offer flexible backhaul Radio Frequency Cellular LoRa options for utilities, giving them the opportunity to migrate their data as they grow into full IoT‐enabled smart cities. Radio frequency (RF) is the most basic of For utilities interested in implementing Utilities seeking an option with the most IoT capabilities should In several cases, this flexibility allows water utilities to the backhaul options, ideal for smaller IoT-based leak detection and pressure examine migrating to a LoRa-based network. Short for “low implement new technology at their own pace, enabling utilities with fewer end points and management solutions, cellular backhaul is power, long range,” LoRa is an RF modulation technique that them to expand over time. Mueller’s offerings can transmit less extensive networks. Data travels a good option. As specific telecom carriers offers high-power transmissions and increased range over and collect data via a radio, cellular or the LoRa‐based from one point to another via the RF host cellular networks, there is no need for a traditional systems. This option reduces the noise that can cause Mi.Net® network. By offering these backhaul options, spectrum, and the data is secure. utility to create its own fixed radio network. interference in basic RF transmissions, allowing for longer-range Mueller is able to accommodate utilities of all sizes at any This enables utilities to quickly deploy data retrieval. LoRa is an open-systems, interoperable network, point in their transition to smart cities technologies. technologies into the water network. which allows utilities to connect to any IoT-enabled devices.

6 smartwater HANDBOOK smartwater HANDBOOK 7 Smart Meters

Mi.Net® System Prepares Utilities for Full Smart Cities Infrastructure

Regardless of size, utilities all face similar challenges, to complain about a large bill, utilities are notified of leaks Implementing the Technology with time, money and manpower often in short supply. sooner rather than later and can take action immediately. Utilities have a number of options for implementation. Fortunately, new-generation technologies that allow for Most utilities desire a full change out of devices, but seamless communication between devices are making it IoT-Ready switching out thousands or even tens of thousands easier for utility workers to collect data in near-real time The unique differentiator of the Mi.Net system is of meters at one time can be a challenge. The Mi.Net without leaving their offices. This enhanced Internet of Things its ability to enable IoT smart cities infrastructure. system’s network gives a utility the option to begin (IoT) technology approach helps provide a comprehensive While traditional AMI networks are closed systems on with a mobile system and eventually upgrade to a overview of an entire water distribution system by allowing proprietary networks that only allow communication fixed network. Utilities can also choose which meters multiple devices to work in tandem, collecting actionable between certain types or brands of equipment, the LoRa to connect to the network based on population or data to help proactively address concerns. platform is an open standard designed location. When fully implemented, the utility receives specifically for IoT applications. On this network, a utility the full impact of the system. Complete Data Solution can install any IoT device regardless of manufacturer or The Mi.Net system is ideal for utilities of any size. For more than 150 years, Mueller Systems, LLC and equipment type. This open network operates seamlessly Whether connecting a network of 1,000 meters or its affiliates have been providing water infrastructure on the open ISM band. IoT systems require open 500,000 meters, the result is the same: an IoT‐based solutions, including metering, to water utilities. The standards and open, unlicensed frequencies. data solution that helps make a utility smarter. Mi.Net system is a LoRa‐based network What is LoRa? technology that allows The Mi.Net system employs LoRa technology. LoRa, long‐range, fully two‐ short for “low power, long range,” is an RF modulation way communications for technique that offers high-power transmissions and smart cities applications. increased range over traditional systems with lower Utilities can gather hourly battery usage. The technology offers a meter reading usage data from every distance of beyond 2 miles, with a battery life of greater meter in the network. The than 20 years. The secret behind this technology is a system includes Mueller modulation scheme that reduces the RF noise that is Systems’ 420 RDM (Remote inherent in any radio environment. By eliminating the Disconnect Meters) and noise, the reading distance increases, offering enhanced integrates seamlessly with performance. Additionally, LoRa is an open-systems, the EchoShore®‐DX leak interoperable network, which means utilities can connect detection platform; it also to any IoT-enabled equipment regardless of manufacturer. can be combined with other IoT devices as needed by the utility. Data from equipment installed throughout Flexibility to Use the distribution system communicates across the Best-in-Class Technologies Mi.Net network and can The Mi.Net technology enables more than just remote alert a utility of leaks, meter reading. When matched with the capabilities bursts, or other emergent of the 420 RDM and paired with the EchoShore‐ conditions. With all this DX leak detection platform, it provides a full leak data at its fingertips, detection solution. When the EchoShore‐DX acoustical the utility is able to be technology detects a leak in a distribution system, the proactive, instead of data generated is sent through the system and flagged. reactive. As an example, The acoustic units are then able to correlate the data the ability to direct time to determine the location of the leak. Once the leak is and resources to the confirmed, service can be shut off via the 420 Remote location of the leak is Disconnect Meter. This actionable data is vital in crucial. Instead of waiting to mitigating water loss in a distribution system, leading see a leak or for a customer to cost savings for both the utility and the customer.

8 smartwater HANDBOOK smartwater HANDBOOK 9 Monitoring and Control Monitoring and Control

EchoShore®-DX Technology Automates Remote Meter Connect/Disconnect Leak Detection for Smart Utilities Technology Delivers Operational Savings

The automation of data collection and reporting is a key accurate acoustical baseline for its respective monitoring A utility’s data truly becomes useful when it provides an component to developing smart cities. Monitoring smart zone, ensuring detection of leaks that may develop impetus to take action within the water distribution system. To learn more water infrastructure gives utilities the ability to not in the future. With EchoShore-DX technology, data In a smart water utility network, DMA zones are remotely about IoT-enabled only identify leaking pipes before they cause issues, but is collected via radio frequency (collector) or cellular monitored and controlled, leading to more efficient solutions, call also create significant operational efficiencies through networks, allowing for near real-time data analysis. The personnel responses and greater awareness of activity 1.844.4.H2O.DATA optimized capital investments. Through early detection user interface (UI) is highly intuitive to use, providing occurring within the water delivery infrastructure. With of leaks, utilities can better manage their water main high-level reports at the start of each day. The location devices such as the 420 RDM (Remote Disconnect Meter) assets and help avoid catastrophic consequences. and other relevant details of potential leaks are easily from Mueller Systems, LLC, water utilities can better serve identified. The UI provides two-way communications, their customers with the data obtained from their Mi.Net® Continuous Remote Monitoring enabling simplified verification of points of interest by advanced network infrastructure. There are numerous use The EchoShore-DX leak detection platform from field personnel. cases for utilities to better serve their customers by directly Echologics provides daily monitoring of a water controlling at each customer site. distribution system. It looks for existing or emerging Maximizing the Benefits leaks using acoustical sensor nodes that are fitted A key benefit of the EchoShore-DX technology is its Managing Disconnects and Reconnects onto a standard pumper nozzle cap. The interoperability with other Mueller Water Products, Inc. The 420 RDM contains a remote disconnect , which is nodes are intelligent with the ability to discern the smart infrastructure systems. The data points collected integral to the 5/8-inch residential meter. Utilities can use presence of small leaks in their zones of deployment. and analyzed via EchoShore-DX nodes are managed this feature to directly manage their water services from They can also communicate with each other, as well through the same UI as Mi.Net® network technology, the utility office. The unique quality of the 420 RDM is the as a central collection hub. Each node establishes an e.g., 420 Remote Disconnect Meters from Mueller integral valve that allows the utility to upgrade to remote Systems, LLC, and remote pressure monitors from disconnect by simply installing the meter into the existing In conjunction with Mueller Co. LLC. By combining these smart components, standard 7.5-inch service. The RDM works seamlessly with Mi.Net, the 420 RDM allows utilities to utilities can create a more complete Supervisory Control Mueller Systems, LLC’s Mi.Net advanced IoT network remotely manage their and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for their water technology and receives prompts from the Mi.Net user water services. distribution systems. interface when action is needed. In addition to maximizing non-revenue water loss When the utility customer service department notes a from non-surfacing leaks and reducing pipe repair costs, condition requiring valve activation, the system works as states of , angry customers, or dangerous traditional resources used to hunt for leaks are no longer easily as clicking a mouse to disconnect or reconnect the neighborhoods. Protecting employee safety is always the required. Field crews can be directed toward the highest water service as needed. foremost concern of the utility. priority leaks. The data provided by the system enables Adding 420 RDMs to any smart water network offers a utility to not only identify a leak, but also to monitor its numerous benefits for water utilities. When reports come in Ease of Deployment progression and prioritize repair criticality. via the Mi.Net system that indicate an unexpected excess It is very easy for utilities to realize the efficiencies and flows at certain properties or areas, service representatives real cost savings of the 420 RDM. The most attractive Data Backhaul Flexibility at the utility can follow up with owners to determine the case option is for installing the 420 RDM into the The EchoShore-DX system is scalable and source. This can be valuable in a number of scenarios, such Mi.Net IoT network infrastructure. The 420 RDM is easily migratable, an ideal way to start a new as when vacationing homeowners are unaware a pipe has installed into any existing or future Mi.Net network. The technology deployment, typically burst; shutting off their valves can save precious water utility can choose to install the RDM in strategic areas in an area of concern. Targeted resources costs as well as minimize property damage. with as few, or as many, RDMs as needed. Of course, deployments can be done with the most compelling business case for the RDMs is to cellular networks, so smaller utilities Improve Operational Efficiency and Safety install them throughout the system. In many cases, the without full AMI capabilities can Another key benefit is the ability for utilities to cut down on payback period for an AMI installation can be cut in half still experience the data benefits labor and operational costs, as fewer trucks are needed to by purchasing the 420 RDM for all installations. of EchoShore-DX technology. As manually shut off or turn on water service in the field. With For those utilities who want the benefit of smart utility the EchoShore-DX system is deployed less crews and fewer vehicles making routine disconnects infrastructure, but are not quite ready to make the jump, EchoShore-DX nodes to cover larger sections of a network, it can and reconnects, those resources can be redirected Mueller also offers the RDM Mobile option. This option enable a utility to find leaks early and prioritize seamlessly transition to the radio frequency or LoRa elsewhere where maintenance or other work is needed. allows for the utility to remotely connect/disconnect the 420 repairs. network, giving each utility the flexibility and time to This ultimately keeps employees out of any situation RDM from the street without having to gain access to the grow its use and management of data. where they may encounter safety risks, including unknown meter box in order to make the connection/disconnection.

10 smartwater HANDBOOK smartwater HANDBOOK 11 Automated Flushing Systems Provide Higher Water Quality Consistency

Water distribution systems with areas of stagnation or insufficient demand must maintain minimum disinfectant residuals in their Permanent flushing water lines in order to maintain quality. Periodic flushing of the systems from Mueller Co. allow utilities pipelines is a common solution to controlling residuals within the to maintain more distribution system, but the traditional method has been to deploy consistency in the level of chlorine residual, work crews to manually flush water at end points. For smart cities, especially at dead ends automatic flushing systems provide the opportunity for utilities to in the system. automate and program their flushing schedules, lowering labor and operational costs as well as improving consistency of water quality.

Mueller Co.’s Hydro‐Guard® line of solutions flush distribution systems when water demands are low, or when residual levels are below pre‐determined levels. Several water quality conditions can be monitored, including chlorine, pH, temperature, turbidity and flow rate. With more monitoring at dead end points of a water distribution system, utilities can be more proactive in their flushing processes and rely less on documented complaints from customers regarding their quality, improving customer service. Utilities can also reap the benefits of saving time and money by not having to send field crews to disrupt traffic and manually flush fire hydrants, redirecting them elsewhere to more needed jobs. The Hydro‐Guard system is also ® available with pressure sensors, giving water utilities a real-time pressure monitoring solution throughout their distribution system. Using local cellular networks, sensors continually report data and alert the utility when high or low pressure thresholds are exceeded. www.smartwaterbook.com