Saudi Arabia installs Itron technology to help conserve water resources

US-based Itron is providing its technology to Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) to help the city of Jeddah conserve water resources.

The technology will enable NWC to measure water consumption more accurately, helping the utility and its customers better utilise the country’s scarce water resources.

The single-jet technology used in Itron water meters is designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high temperature and loaded water.

Itron said that its metering technology, including 141,000 residential and commercial and industrial water meters equipped with wireless communication modules, will enable NWC to track and use water resources more efficiently.

The customised wireless communication can be read remotely through heavy protective metal covers that encase water meters in the city, reducing time spent locating and reading meters.

The duration of the contract is two years, after which the majority of water meters in Jeddah will be ready for AMI integration. The installation of the water meters is underway.

Itron vice president of sales, EMEA Mathias Martin said, "At Itron, we pride ourselves on tailoring solutions to each of our customer’s unique needs. The meters and communication modules we’re installing for NWC in Jeddah are a great example of our ability to create a technology solution for every customer, addressing specific utility requirements."

National Water Company CEO Dr Loay Al-Musallam said, "Water use and conservation is a very important issue for us. In a city of more than five million people with no fresh water sources, we are challenged to use water as efficiently as possible. The accuracy of Itron’s meters will help us make the best use of the water we have. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Itron."