INNOVATIVE LEAK DETECTION AND WATER-SAVINGS SYSTEMS TRIALLED BY GROWTHPOINT PROPERTIES

All kinds of properties require water for a variety of purposes. The plumbing system that supplies water to the property is designed to be efficient and durable, with the expectation of providing many years of trouble-free service. However, the installation may be faulty and problems left undiscovered. Furthermore, a failure of the plumbing system can cause a water leak and potentially damage property and harm the people and surroundings.

Most of the damage caused by water leaks and flooding occurs hours after a business closes. No one may discover a loss of water from a water dispenser at night or notice the rupture of the pipe; it could cause losses, physical damage, and harm the reputation of the management company, causing unnecessary, high losses.

Challenge

The management of Growthpoint Properties decided to trial the Wasens system as part of its water savings strategy in one of its office buildings in KZN – the Mayfair on the Lake. This four-star green-rated building offers its users full access to modern amenities and services; it has two basement levels and five floors, spacious balcony areas, and convenient parking. The client was looking for an innovative technology to:

• detect leaks and stop hidden and visible leaks in real time to avoid severe damage

• monitor water consumption in real-time and discover uncontrolled irregularities

• protect their assets

• minimise maintenance costs

• conserve water and enjoy significant savings of water and unnecessary expenses.

About Meb

Solution overview – Wasens

Wasens systems offer 24/7 protection from major water damage and enable full monitoring, detection, and control of water consumption. The systems can be configured to meet the needs of any property such as:

• private homes

• office buildings

• residential properties

• commercial properties

• industrial properties

• municipal properties

MEB is a global company operating in South Africa since 2010, with over 20 years of experience worldwide and a proven track record in the water, energy, oil and gas, and telecommunication sectors for municipal, industrial, and business customers.

The company head office is in Umhlanga, KZN, and it has another office in Maputo, Mozambique.

The company has provided engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), as well as management, operation and maintenance (O&M), and support services to several water and wastewater projects in Africa, including:

• 10 000 m3/day seawater desalination plant, Richards Bay, South Africa

• 30 000 m3/day freshwater treatment plant, Maputo, Mozambique

• 120 m3/day solar farm and brackish water treatment plant, Chigubo, Mozambique

• 50 m3/day direct potable municipal wastewater reuse plant, Durban, South Africa

• clinics and hospitals

• school institutions.

The system identifies irregular water consumption anomalies that may result from small and/or large leaks in the water supply system. Real-time notifications will be sent to your smartphone through an application about irregular water consumption that results from a leak, burst in the water lines, temperature changes, and low battery percentage.

The flood sensors detect flooding as soon as water hits the sensors and immediately send the alert. Flood detectors are located at the sensitive points in the property: sinks, bathrooms, water bar, coffee machine, laundry room, elevators, electrical cabinets, server rooms, and more.

The system is cloud-based and is controlled remotely by mobile application or management software. According to the user’s settings, the water can be shut off manually or automatically. Also, there is an option to set a schedule for opening and closing the water according to the user’s needs.

The system connects to the internet via wired, wireless, or cellular communication. It can also be integrated into a building management system via API.

About Wasens

Results

MEB supplied and installed the smart water leak detection and monitoring system at Mayfair on the Lake to monitor and control water consumption at main points, which include the main municipal water connection to the building, HVCA plants, ablution facilities, and consumption per floor for both greywater and domestic supply, respectively.

The implementation of the system is achieving the following for the client:

• significant reduction in water usage and monthly utility bill

• water usage monitoring using the system’s mobile app and receiving alerts via text, phone, or email in case of any leaks, burst pipes, and abnormal water flow or usage

• pinpointing the location of problematic areas ensuring immediate response by plumbing contractor

• automatic shut-off of water supply using the mobile app once leaks were detected, saving water, and preventing damage to the property

• various schedules set to automatically turn off water supply during periods when the building is not occupied

• remote management and control of the building’s water valves, including the separation of each floor using the mobile app.

The implementation of this Wasens solution has significantly reduced water consumption for the client, at up to 75% within the first month of installation.

Wasens is a global leader founded in 2014. The company has a keen awareness and understanding of the economic, environmental, and existential value of water.

One of the five elements in nature, water is a precious resource. Wasens is strongly committed to preserving and conserving water, and with the appropriate management, protects its customers’ assets from water damage. Wasens focuses on innovative technologies in the water sector, where its skilled R&D team aggregates and analyses data generated from IoT and smart home devices, to develop and produce viable water-saving systems for leading US-based companies.

Wasens provides a comprehensive service and technical support system for its customers, ranging from plumbing consultants, contractors, and property managers to private customers.