Relief of citizens: smart meters for Villach water in 5 minutes

With future-oriented technology, the waterworks in Villach have also become a leader in terms of “digitization”. The pilot project uses “LoRaWAN” technology, a radio technology capable of transmitting data over long distances in an energy-efficient, cost-effective and secure manner.

1600 meters new installed

“With these new water meters, we can monitor our network very precisely and quickly process all data. Villach is one of the first areas in which radio technology is used in the water supply sector” Water Consultant City Consultant Irwin Bowman. In the Lind and Landskron regions, about 1,600 new water meters will be installed in these weeks. In the coming years, about 2,000 traditional devices will be converted to the new technology each year. The use of radio meters results in numerous advantages for both Villach customers and waterworks.

Detect leaks early

“For example, a much shorter processing time for bills is required and citizens are comfortable with the automatic transmission of a meter reading,” city councilor Bowman states. Moreover, data about the event can be transferred in case of a change of ownership during the year. “Even subtle consumption inquiries in managing water loss are no longer an issue with new radio meters. This means that leaks can also be located at an early stage,” explains water official and city councilor Erwin Baumann.