Itron and Publiacqua Modernize Water Management in Italy with Itron’s Ultrasonic Water Meters
Rhea-AI Summary
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) announces collaboration with Publiacqua, Tuscany's water provider serving 1.3 million residents, to modernize its water distribution system. The utility will replace mechanical meters with Itron's Intelis wSource smart water meters to reduce non-revenue water and enhance customer experience.
The new meters feature advanced leak detection technology and provide benefits including remote data collection, precise billing accuracy with hourly consumption logging, flow distribution monitoring, and customer alerts for anomalies like broken pipes, leaks, tampering, or freeze risks.
The deployment is part of a PNRR M2C4-14.2 funded project to digitize the distribution network. Itron's Intelis wSource is the only water meter MID-certified for R1000 accuracy, specifically designed to enhance network visibility, reduce water loss, and ensure precise customer billing.
Positive
- Implementation of advanced smart water meters with real-time leak detection capabilities
- Large-scale deployment serving 1.3 million residents in Tuscany
- Only water meter in market with MID-certification for R1000 accuracy
- Project backed by government funding through PNRR M2C4-14.2
Negative
- None.
Insights
This strategic deployment represents a significant revenue opportunity for Itron in the European water utility market, which is increasingly focused on reducing non-revenue water losses. The implementation for Publiacqua, serving 1.3 million residents, demonstrates the scalability of Itron's smart water solutions for large-scale deployments.
The inclusion of this project under PNRR M2C4-14.2 funding is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates strong governmental support for water infrastructure modernization in Italy. This could lead to similar opportunities with other Italian utilities seeking to modernize their infrastructure under the same funding mechanism.
The R1000 accuracy certification is a important differentiator for Itron, as it represents the highest metering accuracy standard in the industry. This certification, combined with advanced leak detection and real-time monitoring capabilities, positions Itron favorably against competitors in the growing smart water meter market.
The deployment's focus on both residential and public infrastructure, including Tuscany's historic drinking fountains, showcases the versatility of Itron's solution. This comprehensive approach to water management could serve as a model for other tourist-heavy regions facing similar water conservation challenges.
Publiacqua to Deploy Itron® Intelis™ wSource™ Smart Water Meters to Reduce Water Loss and Improve Customer Engagement
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water, is working with Publiacqua, the water provider for 1.3 million residents across Tuscany, Italy, to modernize its water distribution system. The utility will upgrade its mechanical meters with Itron’s Intelis® wSource water meters to reduce non-revenue water and enhance the customer experience. Itron’s latest generation of metrology will enable Publiacqua to reduce losses throughout its distribution system and better engage with customers amid an increasing focus on sustainability initiatives.
Each Itron Intelis wSource water meter is equipped with advanced leak detection technology, ensuring the data collected is reliable and accurate. As the utility transitions to Itron’s smart water meters, Publiacqua will take advantage of the following benefits:
- Real-Time Data Collection: The Intelis wSource can collect meter reads remotely, driving informed decision making and enabling Publiacqua to quickly identify and address unusual water patterns.
- Billing Accuracy: Publiacqua can access daily billing and custom billing functions, along with precise hourly consumption data logging.
- Flow Distribution & Monitoring: Itron’s ultrasonic water meters enable precise monitoring of distribution flow as well as detection and quantification of backflow to help assess water quality and/or sanitary risk.
- Customer Alerts & Communication: Alarms are generated when anomalies are detected, such as a broken pipe, customer leak, tamper attempt or freeze risk, dispatching timely alerts and demonstrating Publiacqua’s commitment to customer care.
“The deployment of smart meters, including Itron’s Intelis wSource smart water meters, marks a pivotal step forward in Publiacqua’s efforts to modernize our water network, advance sustainability, reduce water loss and deliver safe and reliable water to the residents of Tuscany. Included, the deployment is part of a project to digitize the distribution network, funded by PNRR M2C4-14.2,” said the PM of the project Eng. Dr. Cristiano Agostini and the Dr. Laura Taiti responsible for the Smart meter streaming at Publiacqua. “With real-time leak detection, enhanced accuracy and optimized water delivery, this technology empowers us to vastly reduce the amount of water lost through our distribution system. Beyond operational benefits, this investment reflects our ongoing commitment to better managing and conserving this precious resource while deepening engagement with the 1.3 million customers we serve in the Tuscany region."
“As a popular tourist destination, one unique feature of Tuscany is the centralized drinking fountains. With a region so dedicated to providing safe, sanitary and reliable water to both its residents and visitors, the transition from mechanical meters to Itron’s smart water meters across Publiacqua’s service territory ensures water is efficiently managed throughout the network, including to residential homes and public drinking fountains, helping to preserve the region’s historic charm,” said Justin Patrick, senior vice president of Device Solutions at Itron. “Our meters enable the utility to reduce water loss, improve customer engagement and achieve sustainability goals.”
Itron’s Intelis wSource water meter delivers innovative features to transform water network operations. Designed to enhance visibility across the network, reduce water loss and ensure precise customer billing, it sets a new benchmark for metering performance. As the only water meter on the market MID-certified for R1000 accuracy, it excels in measuring low-flow water usage and detects household leaks with unmatched precision, enabling utilities to optimize resource management and increase customer satisfaction.
About Itron
Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.
Itron®, the Itron Logo and Intelis are registered trademarks of Itron in the United States. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.
For additional information, contact:
Itron, Inc.
Alison Mallahan
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
509-891-3802
PR@Itron.com
Paul Vincent
Vice President, Investor Relations
512-560-1172
Investors@itron.com
Itron, Inc.
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itroninc
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- Blog: https://itron.com/blog
FAQ
What are the key features of Itron's (ITRI) Intelis wSource smart water meters deployed in Tuscany?
How many residents will benefit from Itron's (ITRI) smart water meter deployment in Tuscany?
What certification does Itron's (ITRI) Intelis wSource water meter hold?
How is Publiacqua's smart meter deployment with Itron (ITRI) being funded?
