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ALTAIR V5: Precision for a sustainable future
ALTAIR V5 is a long-lasting smart water meter designed to detect leaks early and protect both the environment and network performance. Its stable long-term accuracy and robust design make it a key enabler for sustainable, future-ready smart water strategies.
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Multiple reading modes for smarter network management
Walk-by and Drive-by enable fast mobile reading on foot or by car. Passive Drive-by allows frequent automatic data collection via utility vehicles. The Fixed Network (AMI) provides continuous monitoring and proactive leak detection through IoT remote meter reading.
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An IoT architecture that drives better decisions
Strategically positioned antennas ensure reliable communication across the territory. Data flows automatically into IZAR@NET and the IZAR PLUS Portal, where it is centralised, analysed and made available to operations teams. This data-to-action approach accelerates decision-making across the digital water network.
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The challenge: streamlining meter reading and improving the performance of a heterogeneous network
Before the project, the utility had to operate a heterogeneous water network with meters dispersed across a vast rural territory. A meter-reading journey could take an entire week and required several field agents to complete. The lack of regular data made it difficult to detect leaks, control non-revenue water and efficiently manage the network.
The water network of Loire Forez, ageing and highly heterogeneous, presented a major challenge: how can we improve overall performance and reduce water losses in a rural environment where manual meter reading is both complex and time-consuming?
Larisa, Project Manager at Diehl Metering
The need quickly became clear. The utility required a scalable and sustainable solution capable of simplifying meter reading, enabling near real-time monitoring and laying the foundation for a truly smart water network. -
The solution: a multidimensional approach to automating meter reading across the entire region
The utility also wanted to rely on a trusted, interoperable technology capable of supporting its digital transformation over the long term and ensuring a smooth transition toward a fully digital water utility.
The solution: a hybrid, interoperable and scalable approach
To address these challenges, Diehl Metering proposed a hybrid and scalable smart water metering solution built around the ALTAIR V5 water meter, recognised for:
- its ultra-low starting flow (0.2l/h),
- long-lasting accuracy,
- and eco-designed construction.
These meters are equipped with IZAR RCi G4 radio modules, interoperable with the OMS standard, ensuring strong and reliable communication through both IZAR R3 mobile reading (AMR) and IZAR R4 fixed network IoT reading (AMI). This hybrid configuration supports the digitalization of the water network while enabling remote water meter reading, improved data frequency and enhanced leak detection capabilities.
To explore the project in more detail, the video highlights:
- the specific needs of the utility and the challenges of a rural territory,
- how a hybrid AMR/AMI solution was built together with Loire Forez,
- insights from our experts on the deployment,
- the key benefits observed across the network.
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The benefits: Save time and increase efficiency
The impact was immediate. Meter reading, which previously required an entire week, can now be completed in a single morning thanks to automated and mobile smart meter reading. The utility now has greater visibility over its network, significantly fewer field interventions and a tangible reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Billing is based on accurate and reliable data. Leak detection and anomaly identification are faster, helping reduce non-revenue water and strengthen the protection of the water resource. Loire Forez now benefits from a scalable and sustainable network, made possible through the integration of the fixed IoT infrastructure.
A Trusted partnership for a controlled digital transformation
Through this gradual modernization and the support provided by the teams, Loire Forez now relies on trusted technology and a solution that is both interoperable and scalable. The result is a well-managed digital transformation that improves performance, protects the water resource and enhances the quality of service delivered to residents.
Discover the project in video
