In a significant collaboration, T-Mobile and Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) are set to revolutionize water management across the US. FCS has chosen T-Mobile to bolster the connectivity of their advanced leak detection technology with cellular solutions from their IoT platform. This partnership seeks to conserve millions of gallons of water annually while minimizing damage to infrastructure.
The aging water infrastructure in the United States presents notable challenges. Many pipes are susceptible to leaks that frequently remain undetected until substantial water loss occurs. Traditional methods often rely on visible evidence which can be late and inefficient. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports an alarming 33.3 trillion gallons of water lost each year due to infrastructure deterioration. This volume could serve New York City’s water needs for over 91 years.
Beth Powell, President of FCS, highlighted the struggle that water utilities face with aging infrastructure and hidden leaks. Through the integration of acoustic leak detectors connected by T-Mobile, FCS provides real-time data crucial in detecting leaks early. She stated, “Our acoustic leak detectors, connected by T-Mobile, give utilities real-time data to accurately pinpoint leaks before they become costly problems.”
FCS has been at the forefront of acoustic leak correlation technology for four decades. Their acoustic sensors, or loggers, attach externally to clean water pipes without causing intrusion. These measure noise in the water system and pinpoint leaks using specific acoustic signatures. This technology automates and continuously monitors systems, significantly reducing the need for expensive inspections.
By utilizing T-Mobile’s robust connectivity services, FCS sensors transmit crucial data from even the most secluded areas, resolving traditional coverage constraints. This advancement eliminates the prior necessity for manual checks with ground microphones, reducing operational labor and cost. The capability to instantly address leaks prevents significant damage and saves valuable resources.
Environmental benefits of the FCS solutions are also noteworthy. The systems aid in preventing treated water from breaching natural ecosystems. Additionally, the solutions have gained recognition for their conservation efforts, which include winning the Environmental Protection Award.
George Fischer, SVP of Sales at T-Mobile Business Group, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of this collaboration. He remarked, “FCS’s acoustic leak detection with T-Mobile sets a new standard in water management, proactively addressing leaks and conserving vital resources.”
