Hot Springs Enhances Water Management with Sensus iPERL® Meters and Digital Solutions

Hot Springs Transforms Water Management with Advanced Digital Solutions

The City of Hot Springs showcases a significant transformation in its water management practices by nearly halving its non-revenue water loss through the implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions from Xylem. Faced with the challenges of an aging water infrastructure—143 years old and prone to leaks due to the city's rocky terrain—Hot Springs recognizes the pressing need for modernization. Director of Utilities Monty Ledbetter emphasizes that the city’s investment in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is essential for efficient monitoring and management of water resources. By integrating Sensus iPERL® meters and the FlexNet® communication network, the city enhances its ability to monitor water usage remotely and detect leaks in real-time.

The technological upgrade enables Hot Springs to identify water loss incidents more swiftly and accurately. A recent example includes the detection of a sudden loss of four million gallons stemming from a broken air release valve. Furthermore, the city has adopted virtual district metering areas through Xylem Vue, an integrated software and analytics platform that allows for pinpointing high water loss areas. This innovative approach creates smaller, manageable zones for improved oversight. Daily monitoring of the analytics dashboard has proven invaluable; a flagged area led to the discovery of a leaking fire hydrant discharging 2,000 gallons per hour into a creek, emphasizing the importance of proactive water management.

Looking to the future, Hot Springs aims to further enhance its digital monitoring capabilities by expanding its virtual zones. The city sets an ambitious target of reducing its non-revenue water to just 10%. Ledbetter notes that with the advancements provided by Xylem Vue, the city can transition from a reactive to a proactive stance in leak detection and management, ultimately resulting in significant cost and time savings. This forward-thinking approach not only addresses immediate water loss challenges but also sets a precedent for other municipalities facing similar infrastructure issues.

In a broader context, Xylem, the company behind these innovations, remains committed to optimizing water and resource management on a global scale. With a reported combined pro forma revenue of $8.1 billion in 2023, the Fortune 500 company continues to lead the charge in developing technologies that help municipalities tackle their water management challenges effectively. As cities like Hot Springs adopt these solutions, the industry sees a shift toward more sustainable and efficient water management practices.