The Indian Express 22.03.2013
AMC plans hi-tech 24X7 metered water supply
As part of its proposed 24x7 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 24x7 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 24x7 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
