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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: energy in UK
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:43:00 -0700
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On 4/17/2025 1:58 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:
> On 2025-04-17 21:59, Don Y wrote:
>> On 4/17/2025 7:38 AM, Liz Tuddenham wrote:
>>> Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
> 
>>>> Here, there is value in having solid state metering.  It allows
>>>> different monitoring schemes to be implemented without requiring a
>>>> completely different mechanical metering system.  Eliminates
>>>> the meter reader.  Provides dynamic load monitoring at the customer
>>>> level.  Remote fault detection.  etc.
>>>
>>> Most of which benefits the supplier, not the consumer.
>>
>> Of course!  Our electronic water meters include the ability to detect
>> likely leaks (i.e., if water runs continuously then it is likely a sign
>> of a leaking toilet fixture, etc.).
>>
>> But, this isn't used to alert the homeowner to a reparable problem.
>> Rather, you get a "big bill" and start looking to see "Why?"
> 
> Our city water contractor said on radio few days ago that they would start to 
> deploy smart water meters, and he did say that they would try to detect leaks 
> on our premises, and tell us.

They COULD do this.  But, don't.  They can only contact you by mail so any
notification would already be several days delayed (assuming they are
WATCHING for leaks continuously and not just "noticing" them when they
read the meter)

And, few customers are aware of the meters' capabilities.  I've told some
how to remove the iron grating covering the valve/meter (watching for
poisonous critters), lift the access panel covering the display and LOOK
for the "leak indicator" icon.

In addition to being able to see just what the flow rate is, then (i.e., do
so with no loads turned on and you can gauge the magnitude of your leak
before the next water bill arrives).

Our static water pressure is 100+ psi.  So, takes extra wear-and-tear on
appliances (typically rated for an 80 psi supply) and fittings.  Water
lines pass UNDER the slab, here, so you are also at the mercy of pipes
becoming corroded and you never know it.

> Water here is scarce, the water company is trying to conserve it (a percent 
> comes from desalinization plants).

Desalinization isn't YET practical, here.  But, water is scarce with only
11 inches of precipitation, annually.  And the municipalities all trying
to stoke their economies by new residential/commercial developments.

There are suburbs who have skirted the law requiring a 100 year water
supply before construction can be allowed.  (they do this by making tiny
"developments" that fall below the size requiring certification.
They have suddenly found themselves struggling to GET water as they
rely on the cooperation of other entities to supply them with water.

Bankers aren't keen on extending mortgages to folks who don't have
long term water supplies.  Penny saved...  <shrug>

> I have seen a crew of two people (I think) 
> open the iron lid that covers the main water valve on the street, at 3 AM, put 
> a tool to it, and hear carefully the noise on headphones, to detect leaks; they 
> were doing the same on all houses on the street. And then, days later, I 
> noticed a crew coming in and opening up the pavement to repair a single leak.

Most leaks are "after the meter" (i.e., on the consumer's side).  So,
the city isn't responsible for those repairs.  It is up to the consumer
(homeowner) to get the repair fixed -- on their own dime.

For folks who can't do this kind of work, it can be several thousand
dollars to dig up the yard and lay new pipe.