Apparatus and Method for Measuring Water Quality in a Water Meter Data Collection System

Abstract

A system for monitoring water quality in a water meter data collection system having a plurality of metering end points (E) for measuring consumption includes a plurality of chemical biological and environmental sensors (S 1 , S 2 ) disposed in a distribution system near or within the distribution end points (A, B), with the sensors (S 1 , S 2 ) generating electrical signals through a network (G) that can be processed and communicated with the water meter data to a collection station (D) from the metering end points (E).

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . Apparatus for sensing water quality at a water metering system end point, the apparatus comprising:
 a fluid flow metering element and a device that converts metering signals or movements of a flow metering element to electrical signals representing units of consumption;   communication interface circuitry for converting the electrical signals representing units of consumption to meter data signals;   means for electronically communicating the meter data signals to an external data collection device; and   a sensor disposed in or near the fluid flow metering element to associated therewith and to sense a quality of the water, said sensor producing a water quality status signal to the communication interface circuitry, and   wherein the communication interface circuitry is responsive to the water quality status signal to incorporate said water quality status signal into a group of data signals including meter data signals; and   wherein said means for electronically communicating the meter data will also communicate the water quality status signal in a transmission to a collection station in a water meter data collection network.   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the means for communicating the meter data signals includes a data port for communicating meter data signals from the meter register device to an external transmitter. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the communication interface circuitry includes circuitry for producing radio frequency meter data signals and wherein the means for communicating the meter data signals to an external device includes an antenna for communicating the radio frequency meter data signals to an external device. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the water quality status signal is representative of at least one of a chemical, biological or environmental parameter. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the apparatus is installed as part of a metering system at a site of one water utility customer. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the apparatus is installed as a zone meter for measuring water quality in a branch of a water distribution system serving a plurality of water utility customers. 
     
     
         27 . A system comprising a plurality of apparatuses as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the apparatuses are each associated with, and are adapted to electrically communicate with, respective sensors for sensing various different ones of a plurality of chemical biological, or environmental parameters of water quality in a water distribution system, said sensors generating electrical signals that can be communicated through a wireless network to a fixed, non-mobile meter data collection station. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein there are a plurality of sensors for different biological, chemical or environmental parameter that are distributed to respective distribution end points within a specified zone of the water metering network and wherein said sensors generate electrical signals that are communicated to the data collection station to provide data on a plurality of parameters related to water quality with the specified zone. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein there are no more than two biological, chemical or environmental sensors associated with each respective water metering system end point. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein each water metering system end point comprises a meter and wherein at least one biological, chemical or environmental sensor that is located in a distribution line in a vicinity of the meter. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein each water metering system end point is represented by a meter and wherein the at least one sensor is located within the meter. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein the apparatuses are installed as part of a water metering system at respective sites for a plurality of respective residential customers. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein the apparatuses are installed as zone meters for measuring water quality in respective branches of a water distribution system, wherein said branches distribute water to respective pluralities of residential customers. 
     
     
         34 . A method for sensing water quality at a water metering system end point, the method comprising:
 converting movements of a fluid flow metering element to electrical signals representing units of consumption;   converting the electrical signals representing units of consumption to meter data signals;   electronically communicating the meter data signals to an external data collection device; and   sensing a quality of the water in or near the fluid flow metering element, said sensor producing a water quality status signal; and   including said water quality status signal in a group of meter data signals to be transmitted to a collection station; and   electronically communicating the water status signal with the meter data to a collection station in a water meter data collection network.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the water quality status signal is representative of at least one of a chemical, biological or environmental parameter. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the water quality status signal is sensed by a water consumption meter adapted to be installed at the site of one water utility customer. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the water quality status signal is sensed by a zone meter that is configured for measuring water quality in a branch of a water distribution system serving a plurality of water utility customers. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein respective sensors for sensing various different ones of a plurality of chemical biological, or environmental parameters of water quality are distributed with a plurality of water meters in a water distribution system, said sensors generating electrical signals through the water meter system end points and through a wireless network to a fixed, non-mobile meter data collection station. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein there are a plurality of sensors for different biological, chemical or environmental parameter that are distributed to respective meter data end points within a specified zone of the water metering network and wherein said sensors generate electrical signals that are communicated to the data collection station to provide data on a plurality of parameters related to water quality with the specified zone.