Water utilities nationwide are increasingly selecting composite meters pending provisions to the Safe Water Drinking Act that will take effect in 2014, according to sales data from Sensus. The composite water meters meet all guidelines and are stronger and more durable than traditional bronze meters.
New legislation reduces the permissible amount of lead in water distribution system products from as much as 8% to no more than 0.25% for wetted surfaces of pipe, pipe fittings and plumbing fittings and fixtures and to 0.2% for solder and flux.
Sensus addressed lead-related concerns in the U.S. by introducing the zero-lead iPERL and accuSTREAM residential meters in 2010 and 2011, respectively, as part of its AquaSense intelligent water management solution. AquaSense unites the Sensus FlexNet two-way communications network with advanced meters, software and services to help water utilities boost operational efficiency and customer engagement.
“After more than 100 years of shipping bronze meters, we recognize this shift toward composite meters as a clear commitment by our water utility customers to install meters that are strong, durable and contain zero lead,” said Doug McCall, director of marketing at Sensus.
Composite alloys are made from a blend of plastic and fiberglass and have greatly surpassed all durability and strength standards and resist corrosion from chemicals used to make water drinkable.
Source: Sensus
