Our Story
I am a maintenance worker at a waterworks plant, responsible for handling various water supply issues. A few years ago, the plant frequently received complaints from users about sudden spikes in water bills or inconsistent water flow, which was frustrating for everyone. At the time, we were still using old mechanical water meters, which required manual reading and were prone to large errors and malfunctions. Sometimes, the meters would get stuck and stop turning, but users would still be using water, leading to billing disputes. Other times, there would be pipe leaks, but the meters would show normal readings, wasting a significant amount of water.
Later, the plant decided to upgrade the water supply system and installed smart water meters. These meters are compact and sophisticated, capable of monitoring water flow data in real time and transmitting it wirelessly back to the plant’s control center.
I still remember the first time we installed smart water meters—I was a bit worried that users might not adapt well. But the issues were resolved quickly. One user called to complain that their water bill had doubled and suspected the meter was faulty. When I arrived at the scene, I checked with my phone and found a pipe leak. The meter’s data clearly showed the time and amount of water lost. The user was convinced and promptly had the pipe repaired. The precise monitoring of smart meters not only reduced disputes but also helped us detect and fix leaks early, saving a lot on water costs.
What surprised me even more was that smart meters also allow for remote control. Once, the plant received a report of abnormal water pressure in a certain area, possibly indicating a pipe burst. Sitting in my office, I checked the meter data on my computer, quickly located the problem area, and remotely closed the valve in that zone, preventing a larger-scale water outage. In the past, I would have had to carry tools and run around the entire area, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. Now, smart meters have made our work much easier and more efficient.
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