What is Water Consumption Monitoring? Counter, Water Balance
Water consumption monitoring; It makes the water usage of the business visible by associating meter data with time and usage area. The main meter shows the total consumption, and the sub-meters show the share of selected sections. The aim is not just to record the total figure but to identify changes to investigate.
From meter data to consumption report
The output and communication method of water meters vary depending on the model. The connection, data unit and scale information of devices using pulse output or digital communication should be checked. The cumulative meter value and the period consumption are different: the difference between the end and beginning of the period of the same meter gives the consumption. Meter changes, resets and missing records should be separately addressed in the reports.
What does water balance tell?
When the main entrance and sub-meter totals are compared, unmonitored usage areas or differences to be investigated may be seen. However, it is not correct to call the entire difference as leakage. Measurement times, meter sensitivity, out-of-scope lines and missing records also affect the result. First, the scope of measurement should be clarified, and then the difference in data should be evaluated together with the information in the field.
Night consumption and activity level
Consumption during quieter hours of the facility can be evaluated to investigate ongoing use. Planned work at the hotel, such as cleaning, kitchen or irrigation, may continue at night. Therefore, nighttime consumption alone is not evidence of leakage. Period and activity data should be kept within the same scope for indicators such as consumption per liter/guest-night or production amount.
Application readiness and data quality
Main and sub meter lists, meter models, units and usage areas to be monitored should be prepared. Data transfer, retention period, report custodians and measurement deficiencies are defined together. Water efficiency studies use measurement; The measuring device alone does not constitute a management system. Consumption data also does not indicate the chemical or microbiological quality of the water.
Technical questions and answers
Are water consumption and water flow the same thing?
No. Consumption is the volume used in a period; Flow rate refers to the volume flowing per unit time. It should be checked which data the measuring device gives.
Does every increase in consumption mean leakage?
No. Activity level, planned uses, metering and recording conditions should also be examined.
Can old meters be used?
Depends on model, output type and measurement situation. The suitability of the existing meter is determined after the examination.
Does water monitoring measure water quality?
Consumption measurement does not provide this. Quality measurement requires different parameters, devices and evaluations.