Affinity Water is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Smart metering initiative, starting with a trial in parts of the Harlow and Bishop's Stortford areas, Hertfordshire. This groundbreaking project will begin with the installation of approximately 20,000 Smart meters in household properties and 20 in non-household properties as part of the initial trial phase, with larger-scale installations to follow. This marks a significant step towards enhanced water conservation and management.
Conserving water is essential, and Affinity Water is committed to helping customers reduce their consumption and detect leaks more efficiently. By fitting Smart meters, they aim to accelerate water usage reductions and enhance leak detection, leading to faster repairs and fewer supply interruptions.
Smart metering empowers customers to take control of their water usage. By providing accurate and regular data, Smart meters help track water consumption and make sustainable choices. This initiative is part of Affinity Water’s broader effort to address water stress in the region and ensure a reliable water supply for the future.
The trial phase of the Smart metering initiative is due to begin on 3rd February 2025, with selected customers in Harlow, North Weald Bassett, Chipping Ongar, and the surrounding areas of Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Takeley and Newport, being contacted directly to explain the fitting process and benefits. Following a successful trial and approval from OFWAT, Affinity Water plans to expand the installation of Smart meters across other areas, aiming to fit an additional 380,000 Smart meters in the next five years.
Smart meters offer several advantages, including:
- Leak detection: Quickly identifying leaks to reduce water loss.
- Maintaining accurate billing: Providing precise information on water used, ensuring customers only pay for what they use.
- Water conservation: Helping customers understand and manage their water consumption to save money and protect the environment.
Geordie Wilson, Head of Smart Metering at Affinity Water, said:
"The launch of our Smart metering programme marks an exciting step forward in how we manage and conserve water across our region. By providing customers with, near real-time data on their water usage, we’re empowering them to make informed decisions that save both water and money. At the same time, this technology allows us to detect and fix leaks faster, reducing water loss and minimising disruptions. Smart metering is a key part of our commitment to addressing water stress in the Southeast and ensuring a reliable supply for future generations."
Affinity Water's implementation of Smart meters is a strategic move to address critical challenges such as water scarcity, infrastructure efficiency , and environmental sustainability. By leveraging Smart metering technology, Affinity Water can remotely monitor water usage and detect leaks, significantly reducing water loss and improving overall system efficiency. This initiative is a key component of Affinity Water’s Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP), aimed at achieving ambitious regulatory targets, including reducing per capita consumption and halving leakage by 2050.
Efficient water management in areas classified as under serious water stress, such as the Southeast of England, is crucial in protecting the environment. Smart metering provides better data to enable more sustainable ground water management ensuring long-term supply resilience and protection for fragile ecosystems like chalk streams.
The UK's aging water infrastructure leads to significant water losses, with approximately 3 billion litres lost daily due to leaks. Affinity Water is addressing these challenges by leveraging Smart metering technology to enhance water management and reduce waste.
Affinity Water serves a region with one of the highest per capita consumption (PCC) rates in the UK, averaging 157 litres per person per day, compared to the UK average of 145 litres. The Smart metering initiative is a crucial step towards reducing these consumption levels and promoting sustainable water use.
So, what’s the difference between a typical meter and a Smart meter?
Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) meters track water usage monthly and can detect issues like leaks. Meters installed in the last 10 years automatically transmit usage data to a vehicle that passes by, eliminating manual readings. Older meters, however, require visual inspection and only provide basic consumption data for billing.
A Smart meter is an advanced device that measures, records, and shares water consumption data remotely several times a day. This technology enables users to monitor their water usage in near real-time, helping them understand their consumption patterns, identify leaks, and make informed decisions to reduce water use and save money.
These Smart meters comply with UK and EU safety regulations and emit a very low amount of radio waves, much less than a mobile phone, ensuring they are safe for health.
Affinity Water’s AMP8 Smart metering initiative relies on strong partnerships with Arqiva, Clancy, and Bregan MainsFlow. Together, they combine expertise in connectivity, installation, and meter replacement to reduce leakage, improve network efficiency, and empower customers with smarter water management solutions.
David Aylott, Director at Bregan MainsFlow Ltd, said:
"We are thrilled to have been awarded AMP8 on the Smart Metering Programme, a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team at Bregan MainsFlow. This achievement reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional client results. Smart metering plays a vital role in preserving our most precious resource—water—by enabling more efficient management and reducing waste. We are proud to be part of this transformative step towards a smarter, more sustainable future for water management."
Ronan Clancy, Executive Director at Clancy, said:
“As we move into AMP8 and the water industry invests in reinforcing assets to tackle challenges around water scarcity and leakages, our new relationship with Affinity Water will enable important steps forward in identifying and minimising leaks in the region.
“Clancy’s experience in delivering cost and time-effective Smart Metering Programmes, in a way which limits disruption for customers, makes us well placed to support Affinity Water’s ambitions, boosting network resilience and efficiency. We look forward to building our relationship with Affinity Water and working towards its leakage reduction target over the next five years.”
Mike Smith, Executive Director, at Smart Utilities Networks, Arqiva, said:
“This project is a testament to our ability to create targeted solutions for Utility organisations in collaboration with trusted partners”
“Fundamentally, Smart Metering is about enabling reliable, actionable data. Our track record in delivering the most comprehensive metering rollouts in the UK highlights our ability to focus on success for the customer and ultimately providing a comprehensive platform for further advances.”
Affinity Water encourages customers to sign up for My Account, where they can view their water usage information, check their balance, access instant statements, update their details, and more, all at their convenience. It's quick and easy to register on the Affinity Water website, and helps Affinity Water keep customers informed about incidents, service updates, and advice.
Affinity Water is dedicated to providing high-quality water services while continuously exploring advanced technological innovations and sustainable practices. Their commitment to excellence ensures that we deliver reliable and efficient services to their customers.