Improve Water Utility Operations: Aquana's AquaFlex™   Actuator Valve and the Itron Collaboration

In the ever-evolving realm of smart water solutions, Aquana's AquaFlex™ Actuator Valve (AVS) emerges as a transformative force, promising heightened operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for water utilities. This American -designed and manufactured remote water shutoff valve, seamlessly integrated into Itron’s AMI network, is poised to reshape the landscape of utility operations in North America.

The AquaFlex features: 

• Universal Compatibility: The AquaFlex enables universal compatibility with existing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) platforms, including Itron’s AMI network, offering a versatile solution adaptable to a spectrum of utility setups.
• Flexible Valve Positions: Featuring up to five different valve positions, including open, closed and three reduced-flow options, the AquaFlex grants utilities customizable control over water delivery.
• Built-In Tamper Detection: Security takes center stage. The AquaFlex comes equipped with built-in tamper detection, delivering real-time alerts in response to potential intrusions.
• Itron Compatibility: A significant milestone is the AquaFlex compatibility with Itron's AMI network. This streamlines integration into existing Itron deployments, providing a plug-and-play option for utilities already leveraging Itron's technology.

Utilities will experience benefits, including: 

• Cost Savings: The AquaFlex presents an affordable solution for water utilities looking to implement remote water shutoff. It plays a pivotal role in reducing operating expenses by enabling remote control without the necessity for personnel in the field.
• Improved Employee Safety: In an era where prioritizing employee safety is non-negotiable, the AquaFlex ensures operations personnel are removed from potentially hazardous field situations. Remote control minimizes risks associated with aggressive customers, threatening scenarios and physical obstructions.
• Efficient Resource Utilization: Remote water control management eliminates the need for physical intervention, significantly reducing the operational demand for rolling trucks and dispatching employees to the field. This advantage is particularly significant in a post-pandemic world grappling with worker shortages.

 

Aquana's Synergy with Itron
The collaboration between Aquana and Itron represents a strategic alliance aimed at increasing value for water utilities. Itron, a global leader in innovative utility solutions, recognizes the potential of Aquana's AquaFlex in simplifying utility operations. The AquaFlex’s remote connect/disconnect capabilities seamlessly integrate into Itron's AMI interface, contributing to operational simplification.

Charting the Future
As the smart water technology market experiences growth and evolution, Aquana's AquaFlex emerges as a response to the escalating demand for economical, easy-to-install valves. Municipalities striving to align with the smart city movement find AquaFlex to be a solution that combines operational excellence with cost-effectiveness.

Aquana's AquaFlex stands at the forefront of a new era for water utility operations. The collaboration with Itron further amplifies its value, offering utilities a robust solution for efficient, safe and cost-effective water management.