Water telemetry is key for Victorian water corporation
A Victorian water corporation is beginning widescale changes to its delivery network that are bound to make a splash.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is responsible for water storage and delivery in a region approximately the same size as Tasmania.
The water corporation began automating its network around the turn of the millennium, installing telemetered meters and flume gates that allowed water deliveries to be altered and monitored automatically.
In the intervening years, GMW’s system has become increasingly automated through the use of water telemetry devices. However, one obstacle has been the limited network coverage in the more remote parts of the GMW’s diversion regions.
Previously, GMW staff had to manually read meters in these areas, inspecting the meters in person to record their data.
GMW Operational Technology and Automation project manager Andrew Northey said this could soon change.
“In recent years, there have been significant improvements in telemetry technologies. This includes narrow band telemetry that can function in some areas beyond the reach of mobile coverage,” he said.
“We have closely followed the development of this technology and have now carried out extensive trials using new telemetry equipment on our meters.
“The results have been very positive, and we are now set to begin rolling this equipment out across our delivery network.
“The new equipment will enable customers to access accurate and up-to-date readings, which will help them manage their water entitlements.
“It will also enable us to remotely read meters that we previously could only read manually, which will be hugely beneficial.”
Reading and monitoring meters remotely helps improve compliance, as GMW can identify any overuse far quicker than if meters were read manually.
The upgraded water telemetry devices would also enable GMW to receive up-to-date data on the conditions of its meters, ensuring aging assets can be replaced before they fail.
Water Delivery Services general manager Warren Blyth said this was good news for customers.
“We make a concerted effort to embrace technology and innovation to improve productivity,” he said.
“Real-time access to accurate usage records benefits customers, helping them manage their available remaining allocation effectively.
“Adopting this new technology will also create considerable savings, as it will help us be far more efficient in how we collect data from meters and ensure compliance.”
Rollout of the new telemetry technology has begun with 80 meters on the Murray River downstream of Barmah being upgraded. The project will continue to expand over the coming years.
Article originally published at Inside Water Magazine
