What Is the Project?
The project centers on optimizing water supply operations and ensuring that every home enjoys running water. It is driven by a passion to bring running water into every home and does so through innovative technological and financial solutions that improve water distribution operations. The approach includes reducing non-revenue water (NRW) and increasing cash collection through a step-by-step process that selects and deploys the most appropriate actions to boost revenue and cut costs. CityTaps, an organization known for its commitment to creating financial independence for water utilities, has developed CTSuite – a comprehensive solution that bridges the gap between utilities and the urban poor. This solution includes the world’s only smart, prepaid water meter, CTMeter, and a billing software known as CTCloud. This means that water supply operators can now benefit from a modular software platform combined with hardware and services designed to detect invisible losses, manage leaks actively, improve meter accuracy, and monitor district metered areas (DMAs) while calculating crucial NRW indicators…
Main Benefit
- Optimized water supply operations ensuring running water in every home
- Reduction of non-revenue water through advanced NRW solutions
- Increased cash collection and elimination of customer debts thanks to PAY-C systems
- Smart metering that automates metering, billing, and collection operations
- Detection of abnormal behaviors like water thefts and leaks for improved operational integrity
Technology and Innovation at Work
The technology integrated into this project is truly innovative. CTSuite stands out as an avant-garde solution that uses smart, prepaid water meters along with CTCloud software to offer a complete water prepayment service. This combination is designed to not only monitor but also automate key aspects of water distribution. With technology that merges hardware and software seamlessly, the system is capable of detecting invisible losses and managing them actively. This leads to a remarkable reduction in non-revenue water and ensures that all water distribution operations are effectively monitored and managed. It’s impressive how smart metering helps automate metering, billing, and collections while also detecting any abnormal behaviors such as leaks or thefts…
Financial and Operational Efficiency
Financial independence for water utilities is a cornerstone of this initiative. By deploying a PAY-as-you-Consume (PAY-C) method, the solution avoids customer debts and eliminates the challenge of accounts receivable. This method ensures that beneficiaries can use any mobile phone to prepay for running water using mobile money, making the process as convenient as possible. The project’s modular design, featuring both hardware and a comprehensive software platform, allows for tailored approaches based on the unique needs of different water utilities. This flexibility is key to increasing cash collection and reducing operational costs, making water services not only more efficient but also more sustainable. The system is designed with a step-by-step approach that guides utilities through selecting and deploying the best actions to enhance revenue streams…
Customer and Community Outreach
This initiative has a direct, positive impact on daily lives. Beneficiaries are offered the convenience of using mobile money to prepay for water, regardless of the time or amount required. Running water in the home is not only cheaper compared to alternatives, but it is also more convenient and healthier. Imagine a scenario where every household can manage its water consumption effortlessly while enjoying the benefits of reduced leakages and thefts in their supply system. The solution brings tangible improvements to household budgets and overall quality of life. There is also a strong emphasis on empowering communities by ensuring that even the poorest residents have access to at-home water services, thereby improving public health and financial resilience…
Operational Expertise and Global Reach
The project is supported by a diverse team based in France, Kenya, and Mexico. This international collaboration combines deep experience in the water sector with an in-depth expertise in the latest technological advances. The blend of regional knowledge and technical innovation ensures that the provided solutions are effective across various settings. By using both smart metering and PAY-C systems, the project not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to building financially independent water utilities. The team’s multi-country presence highlights a global commitment to addressing the universal challenge of water distribution, ensuring that innovative solutions are tailored to meet the local needs of urban communities across continents…
Project Impact
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – By ensuring reliable access to water in every household
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Enabling a reduction in household spending on water alternatives
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Contributing to healthier living conditions through improved water access
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Leveraging innovative technology to upgrade water infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing urban water services to support resilient communities
Future Outlook and Collaboration
The potential of this innovative solution is immense – it could dramatically and quantifiably improve the lives and well-being of up to a billion urban people who currently lack access to water in their homes. There is a vision that running water in every urban home will eventually become a reality. There is a clear opportunity for interested parties to discuss their projects and explore tailored solutions. Representatives are available to provide presentations, personalized concept notes, and even funding proposals. The collaborative spirit of the project encourages ongoing dialogue and partnerships aimed at ensuring that every household, regardless of economic status, can eventually enjoy the benefits of running water. Future efforts will keep focusing on refining operational processes, expanding financial models, and embracing innovative technologies that bridge the gap between water utilities and those in greatest need…
