SmartReach to extend smart water metre trial in the UK

SmartReach, in partnership with Thames Water, has announced that it will extend its smart metre and smart grid trial in the UK.

The trial, currently being carried out in Reading to test the suitability of a long-range radio-based communications network for connecting smart water metres, will now include London.

Thames Water commercial director Piers Clark said that as water becomes an increasingly precious resource, smart water metering will assist the water industry to better manage consumption and leakage.

"Based on the current trial with SmartReach in Reading, we believe that long-range radio offers a simple, quick, non-obtrusive and efficient means of building a Smart Water Meter network," Clark said.

"The system promises far more available data on water flows that will help Thames Water to manage consumer demand and pinpoint leakages. Extending the scope of the trial to London will provide further valuable data."

The partnership can now asses the communications system’s performance from different locations and difficult underground meter areas.

SmartReach is a collaboration of Arqiva, BT, BAE Systems Detica and Sensus for smart metering communications in the UK.