When discussing unaccounted-for water, inappropriately sized meters are often forgotten from the equation when balancing water source meters (billings) against all metered sources. The inaccuracies from an incorrectly sized meter can be substantial in regards to the actual amount of water being used. This often occurs when a transfer of I.C.I. buildings are sold and the new tenants are undersized or oversized for that particular water meter. Other possible reasons are expansion greater demand) or different applications (processes) over time. Typically, the meter is tested in conformance with the AWWA standard and no consideration is given to the application of what the demand flow profile is for each user. Applications may be continuous or fluctuating erratically due to production demand or seasonal changes etc. This is why Meter "Right" Sizing is important to reduce the unaccounted-for-water percentage within a system and increase water revenues at the same time.
In order to conduct a Meter "Right" Sizing program, it is essential to conduct these tests on clients that you will most likely see a cost benefit for. HETEK Solutions Inc. suggests prioritizing clients by meter diameter and consumption based on the AWWA block usage criteria. After determining the client list that will provide quick payback on these services, it is necessary to perform a demand profile of the facility consumption long enough to prove the water demand profile. This profile is then used to establish whether or not the meter is sized properly or not and whether it is feasible to conduct a meter replacement at this time or wait until the routinely scheduled maintenance visit. Meter "Right" Sizing practices should be conducted in a manner such that the services rendered will be negligible to the savings from this service. Utilizing the AWWA block usage criteria, current meter size, water volume / year, potential water savings and projected revenue generation from this study on an individual basis will justify this service. Also, if a meter is downsized, not only will the application accuracy of the meter for that client increase, and revenue from that client increase, but the cost savings for replacement of a smaller meter will also provide future savings.
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