The digital transformation of water management in the Municipality of Zabierzów

The Zabierzów Municipal Services Company is responsible for managing an extensive and diverse water supply network covering the entire municipality. The terrain, scattered installations and numerous hills and valleys mean that effectively monitoring water consumption and maintaining the infrastructure pose a significant organisational and technical challenge.

PUK Zabierzów manages over 13,000 water meters, which is why it decided to implement a modern remote reading system that not only enables the automatic collection of meter readings but also allows for the effective management of the entire water supply network in real time.

Challenges facing water utilities

• Replacing traditional water meters with modern, ultrasonic water meters.
• Traditional meter readings carried out periodically by meter readers, which did not provide up-to-date access to data on the network’s operation.
• The lack of up-to-date information made it difficult to quickly detect leaks, faults and uncontrolled water losses. In the case of an extensive water supply infrastructure, it was necessary to implement a solution enabling continuous monitoring and analyses of data from the entire network.

Solution

As part of the project, a comprehensive replacement of the existing mechanical water meters with modern Ultrimis NEO ultrasonic water meters, equipped with integrated communication modules, was carried out.

The devices utilise static flow measurement technology, meaning they have no moving parts susceptible to wear and tear. They ensure high measurement accuracy throughout their entire service life, regardless of the mounting method used.

A key element of the implementation was also the launch of a fixed remote reading network. Data from the water meters is automatically collected by concentrators located throughout the municipality and then transmitted to SPIDAP’s central analytical system.

This solution enables readings to be obtained from every metering point as frequently as every hour, creating a comprehensive, round-the-clock monitoring and analysis centre for the water supply network.

Results and benefits

The implementation of this modern system has brought tangible benefits to both the water utilities and the municipality’s residents.

• Constant access to data – Instead of just a few readings a year, the operator receives up-to-date information on water consumption several times a day, enabling real-time monitoring of the entire network.
• Faster detection of faults and leaks – Thanks to detailed data and advanced analytics, it is possible to immediately identify anomalies such as leaks, burst pipes or unusual consumption patterns.
• Reduced water losses – Comparing water meter data with the volume of water fed into the network enables effective detection of losses and the implementation of corrective measures in real time.
• Greater convenience for residents – Automatic meter readings eliminate the need for meter readers to visit properties and reduce the risk of errors associated with manual recording of meter readings.
• Greater security and reliability – Integrated communication modules enhance the system’s resistance to external interference, whilst ultrasonic technology guarantees the stability and precision of measurements for many years.

The foundation of smart water management

The system has become an advanced tool supporting the management of water supply infrastructure, investment planning and the optimisation of operational costs. The implemented solution enables the effective reduction of NRW (Non-Revenue Water), i.e. water produced and fed into the network that does not generate revenue. Thanks to continuous monitoring, hourly readings and advanced data analyses, it is possible to quickly detect leaks, faults and measurement anomalies, which significantly reduces both actual and apparent water losses. As a result, the company improves the efficiency of its network management, reduces operational costs and better protects valuable water resources.

By implementing this system, the Municipality of Zabierzów has created a modern model for water supply network management, which can serve as a model for other local authorities and water utilities in Poland. This is an example of how the use of IoT technology, remote meter reading and data analytics translates into real savings, greater operational efficiency and a better quality of services for residents.

See the project in action

The project to implement a smart water supply network in the Municipality of Zabierzów has also been featured in material. The film shows the implementation process, the applications of remote reading systems and the benefits that the modern remote reading and monitoring system brings to the water utilities and residents.

Watch the video