• $400,000 upgrade enhances meter reading accuracy and efficiency, and incorporates state-of-the-art leak-detection system
MCMURRAY, PA, Mar. 24, 2009 -- Pennsylvania American Water announced today the completion of the final phase of installation of automated meter-reading devices for homes and businesses in its Connellsville service area. The company's approximately $400,000 investment also includes the installation of leak-detecting sensors to examine the aging distribution (pipeline) system for potential leaks.
Under the two-phase project, which began in 2005, Pennsylvania American Water installed the automated meter-reading devices on existing water meters for all of its approximately 5,200 Connellsville customers. Crews also installed 600 state-of-the-art leak-detection units that collect and communicate information to identify distribution system water leaks, often before they surface and cause significant damage.
The automated meter-reading devices use radio frequency (RF) to collect customers' readings. "With this technology, we no longer have to go door-to-door and access the customer's property. We are able to read water meters remotely and more efficiently via the nine data collection units placed throughout the Connellsville distribution system," said David Gumbert, manager of field operations, Southwest District for Pennsylvania American Water. "The data is automatically gathered and sent to a data collection unit several times a day, providing accurate meter readings."
Gumbert added that weather conditions do not affect the RF-equipped devices. Additionally, the company will be able to regularly capture actual meter readings, so that customers' bills reflect their actual water usage and eliminate the need for estimated billing. The devices also save energy by eliminating the use of electronic reading equipment, while saving fuel by reducing vehicle use by Pennsylvania American Water's meter readers.
The leak-detecting sensors are electronic sounding devices, known as MLOGs, which are placed inside selected customers' homes in contact with the service line close to the water meter. The MLOGs perform an acoustic leak-detection function on a daily basis. These devices provide a three-year lifespan of identifying many leaks before they surface, helping to conserve water by reducing losses.
Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 2 million people.
###