Water Utility Management: Moving Forward

Around the world, some of the biggest water utility debates focus on four specific aspects. Today, water utility management centers on technology, communications and operations. In the “2013 Strategic Directions in the U.S. Water Industry” report, the industry listed several major concerns. Alongside the predictable examples, including operational costs, was water loss.

The Issue of Water Loss

In the industry, water loss is also known as “non-revenue water.” It stems from leaks, fraud and various other types of system failures. While water conservation is one reason why water management companies like ours work to reduce water loss, we also understand the need for everyone – property owner/manager and tenant to reduce the overall cost of water. Fortunately, through improved and even smart technology, we can face these challenged and help our clients.

Three Critical Steps

In order to help you save money by reducing your overall water utility bill, ABT Water Management suggests you consider the following steps. They are critical in helping you establish a water utility management system that will work for all concerned parties.

1. Get the data: Make certain you have the information you need to choose an effective management system. This requires considering all your options from master to sub metering to smart meters. Build a plan that takes everything into consideration from whether you can install sub meters for all your tenants or whether you will collect the data through another system.
2. Management companies: Do you want to handle meter reading and billing within house? If you plan to incorporate the bills into the rent, what system will you use? Would you prefer to hand the matter over to a management company such as ABT? If so, how much responsibility do you want them to have?
3. Solutions: If any problems arise, you need to have solutions available. You must have access to the data even if you let a management company have charge of all aspects.
4. Manage the data. Make sure both you and the company you hire know how to use the data effectively. Consider what information storage systems are possible e.g. cloud-based systems
5. Use the data. Data is worthless unless it is used. Make sure you understand the information and employ it to reduce the overall water loss revenue. Make certain the company you hire understands how to effectively employ it so everyone can benefit. Meter systems can help you and your tenants understand rends in water usage.

Water Utility Management

When it comes to saving money, one area you cannot ignore is water usage. To avoid short or long term waste of this natural resource, you need to plan ahead. You need to look at your tenants’ needs. Once you have a clear and sound strategy in mind, talk to our professionals. At ABT Water Management, we are experienced at discussing your options for improved water utility management.