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usage data available, meters are embedded with radio frequency transmitters (MIU's). The meters send <br />radio signals that are received or picked up by Datla Collector Units (DCU's). The DCU's are installed <br />throughout the service area on water tanks, antennas, and buildings. Langham Consulting Services (see <br />application section B-5e) has already evaluated the IRCDUS service area and concluded that the existing <br />fiber optic network system, data flow antennas, and three elevated water tanks will accommodate the <br />needed DCU's reducing the necessity of building such DCU sites from scratch. The DCU's are used to <br />transmit meter readings back to IRCDUS's centralized administration and billing center. Through the use <br />of intuitive software specific to AMI systems, IRCDUS will have the ability to monitor real-time usage <br />data, evaluate normal usage patterns at the customer level and quickly identify usage outside of the <br />typical usage patterns. <br />Within the software, IRCDUS will set parameters whereas certain usage patterns are flagged or alarmed. <br />Such usage patterns will be continuous flow for a time period over 24 hours. This particular usage <br />pattern usually relates to a leak. Once this data is!received, IRCDUS staff will contact the customer <br />and/or investigate the sight in order to determine if indeed there is a leak or other source of wasteful <br />use. <br />Another parameter that will be built into the software will be to alarm for use that may be related to de <br />irrigation that is not within the parameters of the SJRWMD water restrictions. Again, IRCDUS will <br />contact the customer. Initially, these efforts will be primarily to educate the customer about the <br />restrictions and also offer suggestions for wiser irrigation methods. <br />Conserving Water by Reducing Leaks and Reducing Irrigation <br />Data provided from the Environmental ProtectionlAgency's (EPA) Water Sense Program states some <br />facts regarding household leaks. The average household's leaks can account for more than 10,000 <br />gallons wasted every year. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste more than 90 gallons per day <br />(gpd). <br />Common household leaks consist of worn toilet flappers, dripping shower heads and faucets. <br />By notifying customers within hours or days of the alarm regarding continuous water use, these leaks <br />can be identified quickly. <br />With the ability to quickly identify leaks, IRCDUS will conserve water by reducing demands resulting <br />from leaks. Improving customer satisfaction by reducing customer's utility costs is an added benefit of <br />such a system. Furthermore, giving the customer access to their usage data engages them to evaluate <br />their own usage in order to develop better water habits and reduce their utility costs. <br />The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) established watering restrictions for <br />residential irrigation. By setting parameters within the AMI software to alarm usage outside of the <br />restrictions, IRCDUS will educate customers regarding the restrictions. These outreach efforts will result <br />in additional water conservation through decreased demands for irrigation. <br />Cost Effectiveness, More about the Data <br />IRCDUS has the ability to run High Consumption reports for all if its customers. For demonstration <br />purposes for this project, two such reports are provided. Both reports were created for the time frame <br />