According to the device, such a counter is very different from the traditional: a mechanical turbine that rotates under water pressure inside. In addition, however, it is equipped with an electronic module that fixes device readings and transmits them over a radio channel or cellular network. The data is taken on the server in which they are processed and displayed in a personal account or application. The owner does not have to rewrite the number monthly and call the criminal law – the system does everything itself.
Unlike the electricity that the law forces to establish intellectual devices, there is no such requirement in the water source yet. The electricity is recognized as a critical source, so the first of the digitalization began. The situation is different with water: where the initiative depends on developers, management companies or residents.
The main complexity of the application is infrastructure. If the house already has equipment for electrical accounting, connecting a smart water meter does not cause problems. However, it will be necessary to establish separate basic stations that are expensive in old buildings. Alternatively, SIM card models that transmit data over a mobile network have been developed.
- First, convenience: Readings automatically go to the housing and common services system where you can monitor history and statistics.
- Second, transparency: Meters are equipped with anti-mannetic sensors that record intervention attempts.
- Third, reliability: Devices operate on the batteries and do not depend on the quality of water.
- Dependence on infrastructure. Without a base station or a stable mobile communication, the bench actually turns into a normal station.
- High price. A traditional meter begins between a few hundred rubles, “smart” between 4-5 thousand. If you need to install the base station, the cost of home can be tens of thousands.
- Organization. Management companies are not always ready to participate in such projects, so residents have to solve the issue on their own.
According to Konnov, the decision to set up a smart water meter is a choice in favor of convenience and transparency, but we need legal changes and ready infrastructure for mass implementation. In the meantime, every home solves the problem on its own.
Source: Ferra
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