The Indian Express 22.03.2013
AMC plans hi-tech 24X7 metered water supply
As part of its proposed 24×7 metered water supply for the city,
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to put in place
automated meter reading (AMR) system instead of manual meters.
To test the new system, the civic body is launching a pilot study
in April in Jodhpur and Chharodi wards, which have a mix of rural and
urban pop
The AMC has made water meters compulsory for all buildings that are approved after April 1, 2013.
“Instead of going for manual water meters, AMC has decided to use
AMR system, which will save costs both for the civic body and for
residents. The pilot study for AMR will be carried out along with the
proposed 24×7 water supply system from the next month,” AMC city
engineer Tarun Lad said.
During the pilot project, water consumption will not be charged
but the data will be used for water audit by the AMC to establish a
consumption pattern in different areas.
Civic officials say the 24×7 metered water supply will help manage water consumption and check misuse and pilferage.
The cost of an automated meter has been is estimated around Rs
5000, against Rs 1500-2000 for a manual meter. This excludes the
installation charges.
Ahmedabad city has around 11,11,717 residential, 33,352 commercial and 2,039 public tap water connections.
At present, the maximum dependence is on surface water for
round-the-clock water supply. The AMC plans to put an end to use of bore
wells by 2014. From 535 bore wells, the number has already been reduced
to 90.
At present, city gets two hours of normal water supply (6 to 8 am).
How AMR works
1. Radio transmitters connected to water meters send daily
readings to a network of receivers, eliminating need for manual meters
and visits by civic staff to each property to take down readings
2. A vehicle fitted with receptacles moves in slow speed in areas with automated meters and receives the readings
3. Readings are then sent to a computerised billing system for water audit
4. In later stages, residents can track their water usage and water meter reading history through an online tracking system
