Matão water utility uses technology to enhance pressure control and supply reliability
The water utility Águas de Matão has implemented advanced technology to improve water pressure monitoring and ensure a consistent supply to residents. The company has installed 33 dataloggers, which are automatic devices that continuously record and transmit data on water pressure throughout the distribution network to the Operational Control Center (CCO). These sensors were strategically placed based on meticulous technical planning, considering the city's topography and network characteristics, particularly in elevated or distant areas from reservoirs. This real-time monitoring allows the utility to maintain water pressure within established technical parameters, contributing to the regularity of the supply. Rafael Jorge, Operations and Services Manager at Águas de Matão, highlighted that the immediate data allows for rapid identification of any pressure fluctuations. This enables swift and precise field interventions when necessary. An example of this system's effectiveness occurred in the Silvânia neighborhood earlier this year when a datalogger detected a pressure drop before residents were affected. The alert prompted a rapid response, leading to the discovery and repair of a network rupture caused by third parties, quickly restoring normal flow. The integration of these dataloggers is part of the utility's Loss Reduction Program, which also includes installing macro-meters at wells and reservoirs and using geophones for underground leak detection. Since Águas de Matão took over management of the sanitation system in 2014, treated water losses have decreased from 45% to approximately 28%. This current loss rate is below the national average of around 40% and meets the contractual target of no more than 30% loss by 2030. Daniel Mantovani, CEO of Águas de Matão, emphasized that data intelligence enhances sanitation management by providing predictability and operational efficiency, ultimately protecting water resources through investments in network monitoring and loss reduction.
The implementation of advanced datalogger technology by Águas de Matão represents a strategic shift towards data-driven operational management in urban water supply. By providing real-time pressure monitoring, the utility aims to proactively identify and address network anomalies, thereby reducing water losses and improving service reliability. This approach aligns with broader trends in smart city infrastructure, where technological integration enhances efficiency and responsiveness. The significant reduction in water loss from 45% to 28% demonstrates the tangible benefits of such investments, positioning the utility favorably against national averages and contractual obligations. Future challenges may involve the scalability of this technology to larger or more complex networks, the cybersecurity of data transmission, and the continuous need for skilled personnel to interpret and act upon the data. The focus on technological modernization underscores a commitment to resource conservation and operational excellence within the sanitation sector.
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