Performance analysis of multi-jet water meters: Impact of aging under varying flow rates and water pressure levels

Accurate metering is essential for correct billing, identifying errors, and establishing a water balance for effective water loss control. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the performance of widely used multi-jet water meters, ranging in age from new to 12 years, tested under varying flow rates and water pressures. Additionally, the annual consumption of a sample of 50 users was monitored to define typical flow rates and consumption profiles for determining the weighted error. A total of 560 m exposed to high water hardness were analyzed. A three-way ANOVA was conducted to assess whether measurement errors varied based on meter age, flow rate, and water pressure. The results indicate that flow rate is the most significant factor influencing metering errors across all age groups, while age plays a secondary role. For meters aged 6-12 years, the impact of age on measurement accuracy is minimal and statistically insignificant. Water pressure has a negligible effect on metering errors for meters aged new to 5 years, but its influence becomes slightly more noticeable when considering meters aged 6-12 years. This study provides valuable insights into the performance degradation of aging water meters and emphasize the importance of performance analysis to ensure reliable metering. By effectively managing metering errors, water utilities can increase revenue and enhance capacity to provide better long-term services.