Leak Detection, NRW water monitoring and control
Tailor made solution for utility companies to monitor and control pressure, flow, level in their networks
ThingsLog NRW is designed to address Non-Revenue Water (NRW) challenges by providing a DMA analytics platform to reduce non-revenue water through advanced leak detection, pressure monitoring, and control capabilities.
It integrates flow monitoring, pressure management, and tank level monitoring with advanced AI algorithms for leak detection to optimize water distribution networks, reduce water losses, and improve operational efficiency.
The final goal is to improve the water balance of the utility operator, to allow timely leak detection and to reduce the water loss.
Key Components of the Solution
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1. Flow Monitoring
- Utilizes industrial water meters and ultrasonic flow meters to accurately measure water flow in pipelines.
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Detects anomalies in flow patterns that may indicate leaks or unauthorized usage.
- Optimized for DMA and Virtual DMA zone monitoring and analytics
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2. Pressure Monitoring and Management
- Employs IoT data loggers to monitor pressure levels in real time across the water distribution network.
- Helps identify pressure zones with high leakage risks and enables proactive pressure management.
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3. IoT Data Loggers
- Collects data from flow meters, pressure sensors, and tank level sensors.
- Transmits data via global network services (e.g., LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, GSM) for real-time monitoring and analysis.
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4. Device Management and Control Platform
- A centralized platform for managing and controlling all connected devices.
- Enables remote configuration, diagnostics, and firmware updates.
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5. Dynamic Intelligent Map Portal
- Provides a visual representation of the water distribution network, including flow, pressure, and tank level data.
- Features real-time data visualization and alarming for quick identification of leaks, pressure drops, or other anomalies.
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6. Integration with Controllers for Automated PRV Control:
- Can be combined with controllers to monitor and automate Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) operations, ensuring optimal pressure levels and reducing water losses.
- Supports integration with pumping station automation solutions for a comprehensive water management system.
Key Features and Benefits
Leak Detection
Identifies and locates leaks in the water distribution network, reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses.
Pressure Optimization
Monitors and controls pressure levels to minimize pipe bursts and extend infrastructure lifespan.
Real-Time Monitoring
Provides 24/7 visibility into flow, pressure, and tank level data for proactive decision-making.
Energy and Cost Savings
Reduces energy consumption and operational costs by optimizing pumping and pressure management.
Scalability
Suitable for small to large-scale water distribution networks.
Sustainability
Helps conserve water resources by minimizing losses and improving network efficiency.
Smart Water Metering Use Cases
Water Utilities
For reducing NRW, improving network efficiency, and ensuring reliable water supply.
Municipalities
For monitoring and managing water distribution networks in urban or rural areas.
Industrial Facilities
Optimize water usage in factories, shipyards and large production facilities and reduce costs through real-time monitoring. Integrate with existing pumps, valves, and control systems for comprehensive water management.
Commercial Buildings
For submetering and leak detection in large complexes.
Explore Our Products
NRW Data Logger
Leak detection data logger for combined pressure and flow monitoring Available with 4G/2G, CatM1 or NB-IoT or LoRa/LoRaWAN telemetry
Thingslog IIoT Platform
Thingslog offers a Remote Monitoring and Control as an IIoT platform that offers out of the box support to a great variety of low power data loggers, water meters, modbus devices and many smart devices with ESP, Arduino and Tasmota firmware.
Non-Revenue Water Monitoring: FAQs
Find clear answers about deployment, integration, data collection, and network performance monitoring.
How does the ThingsLog NRW solution work?
The NRW solution combines flow and pressure monitoring with cloud analytics to identify water losses, leaks, and inefficiencies across distribution networks.
What data is used to detect non-revenue water?
The system analyses flow, pressure, and consumption data from multiple network points to detect anomalies and imbalance zones.
How does the solution support leak detection?
Abnormal flow patterns, pressure drops, and night-flow analysis help identify areas with potential leaks for targeted investigation.
Can the NRW solution work with existing infrastructure?
Yes. It integrates with existing meters, sensors, and communication networks, allowing gradual deployment without major infrastructure changes.
How does NRW monitoring support operational decision-making?
The platform provides dashboards, alerts, and historical data to help utilities prioritise maintenance and optimise network performance.
Does ThingsLog play the role of DMA analytics platforms for reducing non-revenue water?
Ineed ThingsLog NRW is exactly a tailor-made DMA/vDMA analytics solution based on flow and pressure monitoring data loggers, intelligent controllers, a piece of IoT, and a bit of charm of an AI analytics platform.
Still have questions? Contact us to discuss your NRW monitoring needs or visit our Help Center.
If you are interested to find out more:
Understanding Non-Revenue Water (NRW)
Non-Revenue Water refers to the difference between the volume of water put into the distribution system and the volume billed to customers. NRW has three components: real losses (physical leaks and pipe bursts), apparent losses (meter inaccuracies, illegal connections, data errors), and unbilled authorized consumption (fire fighting, network flushing). Globally, NRW averages 25–30% but can exceed 50% in aging networks. For utilities, every percentage point of NRW reduction represents significant cost savings in water production, treatment, and energy.
The ThingsLog Approach to NRW Management
District Metered Area (DMA) Monitoring
The network is divided into DMAs — isolated zones with defined entry and exit points. ThingsLog installs flow and pressure loggers at zone boundaries. The platform automatically calculates the water balance for each DMA, comparing inflow against metered consumption to identify excess losses. DMA monitoring is the foundation of any effective NRW programme: without knowing where losses occur at a zone level, field resources are deployed inefficiently across the entire network. ThingsLog supports both permanent DMA monitoring installations and temporary step-testing configurations for initial loss assessment surveys.
Minimum Night Flow Analysis
At night (typically 2–4 AM), legitimate consumption is minimal. Any excess inflow detected during this period is a strong indicator of background leakage. ThingsLog automatically calculates MNF for each DMA nightly and alerts operators when it exceeds the expected baseline.
Pressure Management for Leak Reduction
Higher network pressure increases both leak rates and burst pipe frequency. ThingsLog monitors pressure at multiple points and recommends or automatically adjusts PRV setpoints to maintain service levels while minimizing pipe stress. Each 10m reduction in average zone pressure can reduce leak rates by 4–6%.
Burst Detection and Localization
Sudden pressure drops or unexpected flow increases trigger immediate alerts. The platform correlates data from multiple monitoring points to narrow the likely burst location, reducing the search area for field crews from kilometres to a few hundred metres.
Technical Integration
The ThingsLog NRW solution integrates with existing utility infrastructure: Modbus flow meters and pressure transmitters connect directly to data loggers; existing SCADA systems receive data via API or MQTT; GIS platforms can overlay monitoring data on network maps; billing systems integrate via API for apparent loss analysis.
ROI of NRW Monitoring
| Utility Size | Annual Water Production | 30% NRW | Cost of Losses (at €0.5/m³ production cost) | Payback Period for ThingsLog Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (2M m³/yr) | 2,000,000 m³ | 600,000 m³ | €300,000/yr | 6–12 months |
| Medium (10M m³/yr) | 10,000,000 m³ | 3,000,000 m³ | €1,500,000/yr | 3–6 months |
| Large (50M m³/yr) | 50,000,000 m³ | 15,000,000 m³ | €7,500,000/yr | 1–3 months |
Standards and Compliance
ThingsLog NRW monitoring aligns with the IWA (International Water Association) water loss methodology and supports reporting requirements for EU Water Framework Directive compliance. The platform generates standardized reports on water balance, NRW components, and infrastructure performance indicators (ILI — Infrastructure Leakage Index).
Workforce and Operational Benefits
Beyond the direct financial savings from reduced water losses, ThingsLog NRW monitoring transforms day-to-day operations for utility staff. Control room operators gain a live overview of every monitored DMA, replacing manual daily inspection rounds with exception-based management — staff focus attention only on the zones flagging anomalies. Field crews receive precise location data before departing the depot, reducing wasted travel to areas without active leaks. Management receives automated weekly water balance summaries and trend reports without manual data compilation. The combined effect is a leaner, more responsive operations team capable of managing a larger network with the same headcount.
Getting Started with NRW Monitoring
A typical NRW monitoring project begins with a network audit to identify existing DMA boundaries, available metering points, and current data gaps. ThingsLog can support this assessment remotely using network schematic data provided by the utility. Following the audit, a pilot DMA is selected and instrumented, providing the first real-time water balance data within days of installation. Results from the pilot — including identified leakage volumes and pressure profiles — form the business case for a full network rollout. ThingsLog supports utilities through the full project lifecycle: device supply, installation guidance, platform configuration, operator training, and ongoing technical support.
