Internet of Things in the Water Sector: Safaricom Smart Water Solutions in Kenya

Transforming Water Management in Kenya

In a world facing an increasing population, shifting climate patterns, and strained resources, smart technologies become a necessity rather than a luxury. Managing water efficiently has never been more critical at such a time. That is where Smart Water technology comes in. But first, let us look at the metering journey until now.

Mechanical Metering Systems

Traditional water meters trace their origin to the late 1800s, whose purpose was to measure consumption for billing. These meters were majorly positive displacement and turbine meters. Though they met the purpose, they had the limitations of low accuracy because of manual reading and could not do leak detection. There was also no real-time data since it depended on meter readers.

Automation of Water Meter Systems

The first step towards smart meter reading was conceived in the 1970s. The key drivers were increasing urban population, high costs and errors in manual meter reading, and advances in radio frequency. In the early 2000s, high electricity coverage influenced the introduction of smart water meter systems. These meters enabled two-way communication, near-real-time data, and integration with billing, SCADA, and GIS systems. From the 2010s to the present, smart meter systems have undergone a revolution. The modern smart meters are full Internet of Things devices with real-time tracking of consumption, the ability to detect leaks and bursts, tamper and backflow alert mechanisms, and a pressure and temperature monitoring system.

Importance of Smart Water Meter

Water scarcity and infrastructure challenges are a reality in Kenya and Africa. Smart water systems, therefore, not only help in environmental stewardship but also help manage water efficiently. They help combat non-revenue water losses and improve the financial standing of water utilities. These systems further promote economic resilience and a better quality of life for communities depending on reliable services.

Safaricom's Smart Water Solution

Safaricom's smart water system is an Internet of Things (IoT) innovation that leverages the power of advanced sensors for data analysis and real-time monitoring. The system is designed to help businesses, utilities, and communities optimize water usage and reduce losses. It helps track consumption patterns, detect leaks, and automate key processes. This system has many benefits to the users, including real-time monitoring, which enables one to see what is happening across an entire water infrastructure at any time. Such a system is useful for water utilities because sensors deliver real-time data on flow, pressure, level, and quality. Other benefits include accurate billing, reduced water losses through leaks and bursts, enhanced revenue collection and regulatory compliance, and improved data-driven decision-making.

Who can use the smart water meter?

Smart water meters are ideal for water utilities looking to modernize distribution networks, commercial properties, agricultural companies, manufacturers, and industrial estates. Smart water meters can also be installed in residential and commercial areas that need real-time monitoring and billing management.

Where to get a smart water meter

If you need a smart water system, Safaricom Business has an affordable, reliable system. This solution can be obtained through the Safaricom business account for utilities, landlords, commercial water vendors, and borehole owners. To purchase it, you will have to contact your account manager and provide your business documents, and after that, you will receive an installation plan proposal tailored for you. The cost of the domestic and bulk meters is Kshs 15, 000 and Kshs 50, 000, respectively. Monthly service fees range from 200 to 500, depending on the meter type. After installation, the monthly platform fees are made upfront via M-Pesa or EFT. Consumers purchase water tokens through the provided mobile platforms for prepaid meters.

Safaricom has partnered with water service providers and several institutions in the implementation of the smart water solutions. The water utilities include Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company, where the telco giant partnered to implement smart technology for metering and management. In 2023, Safaricom also worked with Earthview and USAID in Migori County to introduce smart water technologies in county water systems.

Pricing Plans

There are three plans for the Safaricom smart water systems: domestic prepay water metering, domestic postpay water metering, and bulk water metering.

For as low as Kshs 232 per month, one gets a domestic prepaid or postpay water meter. This system is ideal for residential and household water supply. For the prepaid meter, customers can conveniently purchase water tokens via Safaricom's M-Pesa. The supply is usually halted when the tokens are depleted. On the contrary, postpay customers pay for water after consumption. An automated invoice is generated and sent to the tenant.

Bulk water meters are ideal for commercial, industrial, and water distribution. It is mainly used by water utilities and commercial water vendors. They help in abstraction and distribution monitoring, thereby helping in identifying and resolving losses.