Affinity Water join forces for pioneering water neutrality initiative
Affinity Water, the UK’s largest clean water supplier, has partnered with Independent Water Networks Limited (IWNL) to drive forward their groundbreaking water neutrality project in Mid-Bedfordshire. This collaboration introduces innovative smart metering technology, aimed at promoting sustainable water use, reducing waste, and enhancing connectivity across networks while empowering customers to take control of their water consumption.
Jellyfish Bridge Meter: At the heart of innovation
At the heart of this initiative is the Jellyfish Bridge Meter device, developed by technology firm B4T. This advanced system transforms traditional water meters into smart meters, providing real-time water usage data via a user-friendly app. Customers can monitor their consumption, identify leaks, and make more sustainable choices.
Jellyfish Bridge acts like a trampoline for weak wireless signals. It detects up to eight water meters at once, processes and encrypts the data, and transmits it over 5-10 miles to a wireless receiver – all for less than £1 per property per year. This cost-effective solution eliminates the need for manual readings.
Business Benefits
- Track Consumption: The meters provide accurate, up-to-the-minute readings, helping businesses understand how and where they use water.
- Detect Leaks: By identifying unusual spikes in usage, bridge meters help detect leaks early, saving water and reducing costs.
- Promote Sustainability: The data collected supports water-saving initiatives by helping businesses set and achieve efficiency targets.
- Facilitate Reporting: The automated data can be used for compliance reporting, benchmarking, or operational improvements.
The technology effectively bridges the gap between water usage and actionable insights, making it a key tool for sustainability and cost control.
Frankie Pumilia, Assistant Project Manager at Affinity Water said,
"This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our water neutrality efforts. By harnessing the power of smart technology, we can gain valuable insights into customer behaviour and optimise our water management strategies."
Outstanding Connectivity Results
The Jellyfish trial has delivered impressive results, demonstrating the reliability and efficiency of the technology:
- Bridge connectivity: 100% success across all devices.
- Meter connectivity: 62 meters successfully connecting to 10 bridges, with an average of 6.2 meters per bridge.
- 96.8% of meters connect at least once daily.
- 95.2% of meters connect more than twice daily.
These results highlight Jellyfish's ability to maintain seamless communication between meters and bridges, ensuring consistent and reliable data for both customers and network operators.
Julian Webster, Water Neutrality Engineering Manager at Affinity Water, stated:
"By turning traditional water meters into smart meters, we’re able to capture live data that benefits both our customers and the environment. This project aligns with our commitment to water efficiency and waste reduction, helping us advance a sustainable future for our communities."
Innovative Technology with Real-World Impact
The Jellyfish device represents a leap forward in water management technology. Its unique features include:
- Seamless Connectivity: Compatible with networks like NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, and Sigfox, enabling extensive applications across the UK and Europe.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Supporting a high meter-to-device ratio, Jellyfish reduces operational costs and infrastructure demands.
- Sustainability: Low-power wireless technology extends battery life and reduces maintenance.
Success in Mid-Bedfordshire
The partnership has already achieved significant milestones, including creating a water-neutral and water-positive housing development. With the active involvement of the local community, residents have embraced water-saving pledges, contributing to the region’s conservation efforts. The next phase involves rolling out smart meters paired with mobile apps, allowing users to track daily usage and uncover further opportunities for sustainable savings.
Charlie Thackeray, Director at IWNL, reflected on the project’s impact:
"This initiative has enabled us to achieve water neutrality in a high-demand region, with residents fully embracing water conservation. The rollout of smart meters and an accompanying app will allow customers to track daily usage and uncover further opportunities for sustainable savings."
Looking Ahead
The Jellyfish trial, launched in Summer 2024, marks a critical milestone in Affinity Water’s mission toward water neutrality. By combining cutting-edge technology with strategic partnerships, Affinity Water and IWNL are leading the way in sustainable water management practices, creating a model for future conservation efforts.
Alex Barter, MD and Founder of B4T, highlighted the broader vision:
"Our goal is to bridge existing infrastructure with valuable insights that empower customers and drive positive change across the water sector. Jellyfish delivers these insights seamlessly."
This collaborative effort underscores Affinity Water’s commitment to environmental stewardship and customer empowerment. With innovative solutions like the Jellyfish device, Affinity Water is setting a new standard for sustainable water management, paving the way for a more resilient and connected future.
To learn more about Affinity Water's Water Neutrality initiative, visit their website: affinitywater.co.uk/waterneutrality