Remote Water Management

Water utilities across the country are striving for operational efficiency to provide cost-effective water services all while tackling resource utilization, supply chain management, billing processes, customer service, and employee safety. Modern technology, such as cloud-based applications and wireless communication, is rapidly transforming water utility operations, enabling remote control and management.

Providing water utility services has historically been time- and labor-intensive, with meter readers documenting water usage by address. Remote water management eliminates the need for field visits to turn water on or off, reducing resource demands and enhancing employee safety, especially in the face of post-pandemic workforce challenges. Technology offered by the Aquana line of remote water shut-off valves streamlines solutions, replacing outdated operational tactics and optimizing efficiency.

Simplify Control & Improve Safety with a Modest Investment

Many utilities have yet to take advantage of new technology applications based on the mistaken perception that implementing remote water shut-off is too costly. One point that many utilities overlook is that not all service connection sites share an equal portion of the ROI to incorporate remote shut off valves. By targeting repeat offenders for non-payment, utilities can see a return on investment in as little as six months with just 10% of service connections adding remote shut-off valves. Investing in cloud-based management software and easy-to-maintain valves like AquaFlex™ or AquaFlow™ can increase operational efficiency and employee safety while working towards a solid ROI.

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Join the Low-Risk Pilot Program Today

Geospace offers qualified utilities access to an Aquana pilot program. Through this unique trial program, a utility works with their preferred integration partner to install smart water valves at frequently engaged service connection locations. The pilot program uses the same cloud-based software and hardware as a full-scale deployment but is aimed at helping utility operations teams build a business case for funding a deployment across a large portion of the service connections. Geospace’s research has shown that applying smart water remote shutoff valves to approximately 10% of service connections, especially those of repeat non-payers, yields a return on investment within the first year.

Frequently Asked Questions on Smart Water Technologies

How do smart water valves reduce operating costs?

Smart water valves allow utilities to complete many routine service tasks remotely instead of sending an employee and vehicle to the customer location. This can reduce labor, fuel, vehicle wear, scheduling and administrative costs. It also allows field crews to spend more time on repairs, maintenance and other work that must be completed on site. Geospace utility customers identify reducing operating costs as one of the primary benefits of smart valves.

How quickly can a smart valve pay for itself?

The payback period depends on the utility’s cost per truck roll, the number of service calls it performs and how often the valve can replace a field visit. Utilities with frequent disconnects and reconnects may see a faster return because one smart valve can eliminate repeated trips to the same service connection. Geospace’s ROI calculator illustrates the potential with an example based on 200 disconnects per month and a $100 truck-roll cost.

Do utilities need a smart valve at every service location?

Not necessarily. A utility can begin with a targeted deployment and place smart valves where remote control is expected to provide the most value. Bobby’s customer presentation includes an example of a utility that began with a 100-unit pilot before moving into a larger deployment.

This approach can allow a utility to evaluate the technology and its operational benefits before expanding deployment.

What are smart valves used for besides remote shut off?

Smart water valves can support many utility operations beyond non-payment enforcement. Geospace has identified applications including disaster preparedness, drought and water conservation, water restrictions, cross-connection management and flushing applications.

This is important to ROI because a valve installed for one purpose can continue creating value through other uses.

How do smart water valves improve customer service?

Remote valve control can shorten the time required to start, stop or restore water service. For example, a utility can restore service remotely after receiving payment rather than waiting until a technician is available to visit the property. Remote operation can also make move-in and move-out service faster and easier to manage.

Faster response means less waiting for customers and fewer routine service orders for utility staff.

Do smart water valves work with AMI systems?

Advanced Metering Infrastructure gives utilities valuable information about water consumption and system conditions. A remote smart valve adds operational control, allowing the utility to act on that information without always dispatching an employee.

For example, AMI may identify unusual consumption that indicates a leak. Remote valve control can then allow authorized utility personnel to stop water flow when appropriate.

Do smart water valves help emergency response during disasters?

Yes. Geospace has seen applications associated with wildfires, hard freezes, and hurricanes, where remote shutoff can support disaster response. Utilities can remotely isolate portions of the system, reduce the need to send employees into dangerous areas, and help conserve water during an emergency.

Can smart valves help with water conservation and drought management?

Yes. Smart valves can give utilities more control over water service during conservation efforts and restrictions. Geospace specifically identifies water conservation, restrictions, line flushing and flow adjustment as potential smart-valve applications.

Remote control can help utilities manage water resources without depending entirely on manual field intervention.