The road to 2030: building proactive, data-driven smart water utilities
In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-host Bob Crossen discusses advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), data management, utility modernization, stakeholder buy-in, and the future of smart water utilities with Kamstrup Solutions Engineer Jake Waidmann. The conversation explores how utilities exist across a wide spectrum of metering technology adoption, from manual meter reading to next-generation AMI systems, and why technology decisions should be driven by operational challenges rather than by features alone. Jake explains how utilities can identify the right data to collect, use metering information to reduce non-revenue water, improve leak detection, and justify investments through measurable return on investment.
The discussion also examines the growing volume of utility data and the importance of retaining, organizing, and applying that information to support rate studies, conservation initiatives, and long-term planning. Jake highlights the need to involve a broad range of stakeholders, including operators, customer service teams, managers, executives, consultants, and governing boards, when implementing new technologies. He emphasizes that successful adoption depends on building trust in both the data and the systems generating it.
Looking ahead, Jake shares his vision for the smart water utility of 2030, centered on three key pillars: proactive operations, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. Together, these principles can help utilities maximize system performance, improve customer service, and make more informed infrastructure investments.
Show notes
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Meeting utilities where they are on the AMR-to-AMI journey
05:02 – Why solving problems matters more than collecting more data
08:15 – Managing, storing, and using utility data effectively
13:40 – Building trust and managing organizational change during AMI adoption
19:18 – Gaining buy-in from operators, managers, executives, and boards
23:47 – The future of smart water utilities: proactive, data-driven, continuous improvement
28:48 – Housekeeping