The Internet of Things, often referred to as IoT, has been used by water utilities for several years. Essentially, what it does is provide information in real-time to facilitate better water management and improve water efficiency. It also helps detect where there may be water transport problems, leaks, water flow or water quality issues, infrastructure issues, flooding, and a host of other concerns. The goal is to catch them so they can be addressed before a serious problem evolves.
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However, IoT is now working its way into all types of facilities, large and small. For instance:
Facilities with IoT technology know precisely how much water is being consumed at any time, day, week, month, etc. This is important because, just like the rest of us, most facility managers do not know how much water is being used in their property until they get their monthly utility bills. By then, it's too late. In larger facilities, and with the cost of water going up, this information is necessary on demand. Further, knowing how much is being used is usually the first step in using water more efficiently.
Sensors can detect where there may be water flow issues in the facility, leaks, pressure or temperature problems, and other information administrators have never had before. Just knowing when a leak is detected and where it is located can be a big problem solver in most facilities.
When new water mechanicals are installed, from pipes to pumps, information on these new items is fed into an IoT database. The system knows the expected lifespan of these items. If, for instance, a pump is installed that has a lifespan of seven years, the IoT system can notify administrators ahead of time, before there is a disruption in service. In the past, most administrators were left in the dark, dealing with these problems after they have occurred.
IoT systems can also keep tabs on typical plumbing problems found in most commercial facilities. For instance, water-using urinals can have a surprising number of issues. Usually, this is because the flush valve system, whether mechanical or sensor operated, is malfunctioning. Hundreds of gallons per day can be lost when these malfunctions occur. This, we should note, is not an issue with waterless urinals.
IoT systems can also help those facilities that are LEED certified, trying to be certified, or are operating following LEED guidelines. In order to be certified, LEED requires data on several building operations, from energy and fuel, to water consumption and water efficiency. In most cases, information collected by IoT systems can provide this information instantly, whenever needed.
We should add that the use of IoT systems in commercial facilities is evolving. Advances are expected to further help administrators better manage water in their facilities, and with better management, use water more efficiently.
