MILWAUKEE, WI, May 11, 2015 -- Since implementing an advanced metering analytics (AMA) solution in 2011, the University of California Merced (UC Merced) has reported over a 23-percent reduction in water consumption, including saving several million gallons from leaks detected by the smart water network's near real-time data.
Provided by Badger Meter, a global manufacturer of flow measurement and control solutions, the BEACON® AMA managed solution was installed to meet the campus' new compliance standards. According to Emron Quarqat, UC Merced Water Operations Crew Leader, what started out as a friendly student competition focusing on reducing water consumption turned out to be an eye-opening experience for the whole campus.
"BEACON AMA's automated data collection and online software has significantly reduced the time and resources needed to ensure and document our new compliance standards," said Quarqat. UC Merced -- located in the Central Valley, one of the driest regions in California -- "has its eyes on water conservation, and we now know where our water is going," he added.
Leveraging BEACON AMA's cellular radio endpoints, use of existing cellular networks and easy-to-use software product, UC Merced is equipped with the fast, near-real time data needed to conserve. Combined with accurate meter readings from a variety of Badger Meter flow measurement products -- all connected to BEACON AMA using cellular communications -- the campus is able to monitor its reclaimed water, irrigation and wastewater.
In the first year of the water conservation competition, the campus dorms reduced their consumption by 14 percent, saving 79,000 gallons of water. They also saved 1.4 million gallons of water from 16 water leaks detected by the near real-time data. Ultimately, nine dorms and 565 students participated in the first year of the program.
In the years that followed, conservation became a daily habit as students used BEACON AMA's real-time monitoring capabilities, including the EyeOnWater smartphone app, to achieve another 9-percent reduction, involving over 9,000 students. During the program's lifetime, BEACON AMA has quickly detected several leaks, including five toilets leaking a total of 150 gallons per hour -- saving the university an estimated 1 million gallons of water per year.
Since deploying BEACON AMA, many other universities and colleges throughout California have toured UC Merced, learning from the campus and implementing the system in their own facilities. Meanwhile, UC Merced staff and students are focused on new and innovative ways to keep improving their campus and the state of California.
See also:
"Badger Meter releases metering recommendations for CA water suppliers"
"White Paper: Bethpage Enhances Efficiency, Customer Service with BEACON AMA"
About Badger Meter
Badger Meter is an innovator in flow measurement and control products, serving water utilities, municipalities and commercial and industrial customers worldwide. The company's products measure water, oil, chemicals, and other fluids, and are known for accuracy, long-lasting durability and for providing valuable and timely measurement data. For more information, visit www.badgermeter.com.
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