Why IoT water meter manufacturers recommend daily meter readings?

However, most manufacturers recommend daily meter readings for each IoT water meter. What are the considerations behind this recommendation?

1. Data Transmission and Processing Load: IoT water meters typically upload data to the cloud via wireless communication. Frequent data transmission increases the load on the communication network, especially in densely populated areas. Data collection every hour or even every minute could overload the communication system, potentially leading to data loss or delays. Daily meter readings ensure data real-time performance without placing excessive pressure on the communication network.

2. Battery Life and Equipment Costs: Many IoT water meters are battery-powered, and battery life is a key factor affecting device lifespan. Frequent data collection and transmission accelerate battery consumption, shortening the water meter's lifespan. If each meter only needs to be read once a day, the battery can last longer, reducing maintenance costs.

3. Increased Operating Costs: Water utilities or equipment suppliers typically need to maintain and manage each water meter. While frequent data collection improves real-time performance, it also incurs higher operating costs, such as data storage, processing, and analysis expenses. Reading meters once a day can reduce overall operating costs while ensuring data quality.

In general, the frequency of meter readings for IoT water meters depends on multiple factors, including technical feasibility, equipment cost, user needs, and operating costs. Although IoT technology itself supports high-frequency data collection, most manufacturers recommend reading each meter once a day. This is to ensure data accuracy while reducing equipment energy consumption, extending battery life, reducing communication burden, and improving overall operational efficiency.