Trends in metering potable water

摘要

Sustainable management of drinking water distribution systems requires information on the operating status ofsystem components to identify the best operational management measures. The ability to acquire information ontank levels, pipeline flow and real-time pressure offers an efficient and cost-effective management perspective,and enables wider monitoring, which can improve (physical) security as well. The technology of measuring instrumentsfor hydrodynamic variables, used to monitor potable water systems, differs in their independence fromelectronic data acquisition components and ability to connect to remote data communication systems. Advancedwater measurement infrastructure is characterized by the ability to capture data with measurable errors fromanywhere in the system, without restrictions on communication type. This paper deals with the measurementof hydrodynamic parameters and a proposal for water meter classification. It includes analysis of the mainwater meter and data tele-acquisition infrastructure. Several selection criteria are evaluated with respect totheir ability to support mathematical hydraulic models and expert systems for water distribution systemmanagement.