While smart water meters have been on the market for some time, Avnet Design Services will be collaborating with Huizhong to develop data loggers with internet connectivity for water meters with pipe sizes greater than 50mm.

Unlike analogue water meters that must be physically read by workers at regular intervals, smart water meters can be read remotely, thus reducing legwork and reducing operating costs. They are also able to report leaks and burst pipes in real time, including details of their exact cause and location. Once alerted, the utility provider can intervene and repair the problem immediately, mitigating the financial loss of wasted water, the environmental impact of leakage and seepage, and the risk of structural damage to property and associated safety hazards.

“After the implementation of the smart water meters in Australia, we immediately set our sights on introducing this technology to other countries in the near future. Population growth coupled with the undeniable fact of climate change and the increasing incidence and severity of extreme weather events has exacerbated water insecurity around the world,” said Tan Aik Hoon, Regional President, South Asia, Korea, and Avnet United. “The inclusion of Singapore is a milestone achievement for both Avnet and the republic’s shift towards a sustainable future.”

Tan says that the smart water meters that Avnet has developed in collaboration with Huizhong are an ideal example of how technology can help promote sustainability and, in so doing, help societies, economies, and the environment. While the partnership with Huizhong marks Avnet’s first foray into the smart water meter business, it aligns with the organization’s overarching Internet of Things (IoT) strategy, which envisions an entirely interconnected and sustainable world.

“With our ever-expanding range of innovative technology solutions, and the support of strong partners like Huizhong, we are honored to be helping society slowly but surely shift towards sustainability,” added Tan. “With relentless research and a collaborative approach to solving the problems that threaten all of humankind, there is virtually no problem that technology cannot overcome.”