Previously, conventional, mechanically operated domestic water meters were installed. These had or have a calibration validity period of 6 years. After this period, they must be removed at regular intervals and replaced with new ones. Every year, around 1,800 water meters are replaced in the Bad Homburg municipal utility's supply area. Various considerations have led to the decision to use digital ultrasonic water meters with remote meter reading. As a result, the mechanical water meters are now being replaced with ultrasonic water meters as part of the regular replacement schedule.
Another advantage is that the new water meters draw attention to possible faults in the supply network. Based on the data packets received, we can draw conclusions about the upstream drinking water network. This means, for example, that leaks or burst water pipes can be detected more quickly or possible damaged areas can be repaired at an early stage. At the same time, the new meters save drinking water because water losses can be avoided.
New generation water meters no longer measure the flow rate by means of an impeller in the water flow, but by means of ultrasonic technology. These meters have a simple, free-flowing measuring tube. Water no longer flows through the meter mechanism. The housing is made of lead-free material.
The radio meter used makes it possible to determine whether there is a leak in the drinking water installation. This leakage is indicated by a symbol on the LCD display of the water meter. (see operating instructions)
Due to the high quality of the new meter (ultrasonic measuring principle, no moving parts, no wear and tear), there is no need to replace the meter at least once. The calibration validity period can be extended using a procedure specified by the calibration authorities (= sampling procedure). It is even possible to extend the calibration validity to up to 15 years. The next regular meter replacement takes place at the customer's premises at a later date.
The previous, outdated direct reading method for our approximately 11,000 meters installed in the supply network is characterized by an enormously labor-intensive and costly process. With the option of reading the consumption data outside the building "in passing" on the exact date and importing it directly into our billing system, Stadtwerke Bad Homburg not only saves time, but also considerable costs. At the same time, the meter reading procedure is considerably simplified for customers, as no one needs to be at home to read the water meters. Readings of incorrectly reported meter data are no longer necessary, nor are estimates of meter readings that were not reported on time. As a result, billing notices can be issued more easily, accurately and quickly. The radio transmission does not include the complete memory of the meter, but only billing-relevant data: current meter reading, meter number, key date value for billing and alarm or error messages. No personal data of the customer is transmitted. The transmission of consumption per meter is encrypted in accordance with BSI guidelines. Only readers that have the required key for the corresponding meter can be used to read the meters. This ensures the highest possible level of data security during radio transmission.
It is therefore not possible to draw conclusions about your daily consumption behavior.
The electronic design of the meter makes it possible to store the values measured by the meter in a memory. This means that the recorded meter readings can be tracked for up to 512 days. This includes the daily flow rate as well as error and alarm events (dry running, attempted tampering, continuous running). This data can only be read out directly on site at the meter in the presence and with the consent of the customer in order to explain any discrepancies or consumption deviations when billing water charges.
Thanks to the optimized and future-oriented conversion of the water meters, we see this as a sensible and customer-friendly solution in the long term, also with regard to meter reading. We are delighted that you are joining us on this future-oriented path of new meter technology.
Thank you very much! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why should a water meter bracket be installed? All water meter manufacturers, as well as the calibration regulations, require a "stress-free installation" of the meter. This is described in detail in the current version of DIN 1988-200 under point 11 "Guidelines for water meter installations". At the same time, the DIN refers to DVGW worksheet W406 (A), which are generally recognized rules of technology and must be complied with by the water supplier and the system operator (property owner) in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance and the drinking water regulations of Stadtwerke Bad Homburg. If you do not yet have a water meter bracket, you should have one installed in anticipation of the upcoming water meter replacement.
