The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained momentum over the years as a way for physical devices in our world to connect and transmit relevant and new types of data through networks into powerful cloud-based platforms to gain new insights and understandings of what is happening in their infrastructure.
In the water utility space, it holds the potential to accelerate the development and improve the management of water, in the form of a Smart Water Network. Smart Water Meters enable Water Utilities to monitor both household and non-household customer consumption 24 hours a day, at a significantly increased and granular level to previous manual and drive-by reading methods. The focus for Smart Water Metering is to enable operational efficiencies, identify leaks and assist with driving down per capita consumption. Smart Water Networks expand further on Smart Water Metering and enable solutions that can monitor flow and pressure at many different points within their network, solutions capable of proactively monitoring critical asset conditions, level sensing, CSO and water quality, all through the data driven insights it produces.
Who Is Connexin?
Connexin is a UK-based digital service and smart technology provider using Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN®) and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology to improve efficiency, cut costs, and ensure sustainability.
We build and maintain dense LoRaWAN infrastructure, but beyond that, we develop software and platforms to manage the critical information flowing through these networks, transforming raw data from sensors and devices into actionable insights. Our approach involves integrating diverse data sources, analysing the information, and presenting it through intuitive platforms that are easy to interpret. Crucially, we ensure that sensor data integrates seamlessly with legacy systems, employing AI and machine learning to enhance analytics and enable real-time decision-making.
Our partnerships span a wide range of organisations across both the private and public sectors, including large enterprises, landlords, and some of the largest water utilities in the UK.
Our LoRaWAN network covers over six million homes in the UK, and we have committed to connecting over two million water meters over the next three advanced metering infrastructure (AMP) cycles.
Why LoRaWAN and LPWAN?
The building blocks for IoT is the critical infrastructure itself which relies on LoRaWAN, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) which is an end-to-end system that wirelessly connects battery operated ‘things’ to the internet in regional, national, or global networks. By incorporating LoRaWAN technology with other prominent IoT technologies, our LPWAN architecture becomes the winning formula. LoRaWAN technology is designed for low power consumption, at a low-cost to serve and can scale from a single gateway installation up to large global networks with billions of IoT devices.
Our use of LPWAN technology offers distinct advantages over traditional Wi-Fi or 5G connectivity. Operating on radio frequencies, LPWAN provides exceptional range and excellent capability to penetrate deep into buildings or underground environments. This makes it an ideal solution for water utilities, where some hard to reach water meters are located more than a meter below the surface.
LPWAN is also highly energy-efficient, enabling typical battery lifespans of up to 15 years for water meters. This ensures long-term reliability with minimal maintenance. Once deployed, the system operates automatically, making it a true plug-and-play solution that simplifies implementation while delivering consistent, reliable data transmission.
System Integration & Proactive Monitoring
In the last two to three years, water companies have really seen the value in LPWAN by utilising the network to proactively monitor water usage to better manage cost and prevent wastage. The LPWAN connectivity network collects water usage data, which is then processed by IoT platforms capable of overlaying and analysing various datasets producing valuable insight and enabling efficient, proactive data-driven decisions.
The cornerstone of this approach is integrating all datasets into a single platform, creating a holistic view of operations. This integration is key to understanding the bigger picture and maximising the value of collected data.
By bringing these data streams together, we create a digital twin – a virtual model of a physical environment informed by real-time data. This model helps water companies establish baselines, build profiles of optimal performance, and identify inefficiencies or problem areas. With this foundation, organisations can make informed, data-driven decisions to improve their operations. Over time, AI and machine learning can identify anomalies in real time, enabling swift action to address issues and enhance system efficiency.
Meeting Ofwat’s Stricter Regulations with Smart Water Management
With recent reports from the Environmental Agency (EA) stating that almost a fifth of water supplies are lost before they reach customers’ taps, and the introduction of stricter regulations from Ofwat, water companies face increasing pressure to exceed key performance and expenditure metrics.
One of the critical targets is reducing leakage by 50% by 2050. By utilising the LPWAN Smart Water Network, pressure sensor monitoring can identify potential leaks within the system. The sooner a leak is identified, the shorter the response time can be, and the sooner a fix can be implemented.
The solutions can also help target common issues such as pollution incidents by proactively monitoring water quality at critical points in the network to improve the wellbeing of citizens; sewer level sensor solutions for early detection and warning to reduce the risk of overflow; and asset monitoring for real-time monitoring of pumps, valves and other critical infrastructure ensuring safety and proactive maintenance scheduling, optimising cost and minimising downtime.
They can also be used to provide customers with further breakdown of their water usage, transforming how the utilities industry works with its customers to increase customer satisfaction, which is another key element in the new regulations. Customers can receive more accurate and automated billing, with hints and tips to proactively make decisions on how they use water and how they can use it better. Amidst the cost-of-living crisis and climate emergency, reducing water wastage and usage, and therefore saving money, is essential.
A significant focus is also being placed on greener operations. New Ofwat regulations require water companies to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 11% within five years. Deploying water meter sensors across a region enables water utilities to receive accurate, real-time readings around the clock, eliminating the need for manual meter readings. This reduces operational emissions while improving efficiency and sustainability.
What’s Next?
As the water industry faces increasing regulatory demands and the challenges of climate change, leveraging smarter infrastructure like LPWAN is no longer optional, it’s essential. By integrating real-time data, advanced analytics, and proactive monitoring, water utilities can reduce wastage, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve greener operations.
For tailored solutions and expert guidance on achieving similar results, connect with Dan Preece, Vice President of IoT Water & Utilities at Connexin.
https://www.connexin.co.uk/business/internet-of-things