Blanes: leader in water digitalisation

With a registered population of 42,000 inhabitants that reaches 120,000 in summer, Aigües de Blanes manages consumption of up to 13,000 m³ per day in a 180-km network. The main challenge was to replace 25,000 obsolete mechanical meters to comply with Order ICT/155/2020, which limits their service life to 12 years. Along with the digital transition, this was not just a change of teams but a strategic opportunity that involved selecting communication technology and software without taking unacceptable risks.

After carrying out pilot tests, LoRaWAN® was discarded due to its inability to capture data at critical points and the high cost and legal responsibility of maintaining its own network of antennas and concentrators. The municipality needed a solution that would ensure metrological accuracy, stability, and contractual security given the operational uncertainty of traditional systems. 

Blanes opted for Kamstrup's ultrasonic technology with the flowIQ® 2200, 3200, and 4200 range, reducing the inventory to only 4 references. A hybrid architecture was designed: NB-IoT for direct communication via mobile operators without their own infrastructure, and wM-Bus for the 70% of meters installed in battery, optimising costs.

A key factor was connectivity management with Kamstrup as the sole and end-to-end responsible interlocutor. One of the key points was the AI-driven Acoustic Leak Detection module, which generates real-time alerts upstream and downstream of the meter. This technology has made the staff more technically capable, allowing precise interventions that increase water yield by over 85% and optimise resources. The solution ensures the sustainability of the network thanks to the reliability of the equipment and its 16-year service life.