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An AquaNovo prepaid water dispensing meter designed
for use in rural communities where potable water is a scarce commodity.
The meter is hygienic in that
it is not possible to drink directly from its spout. It is, however, possible
to attach
an extension hose.
User ergonomics account for the
fact that in rural Africa water containers are usually
carried by users on their heads; the top of the meter, which is about
waist height, can be used as a platform before lifting the container to
head height.
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The AquaNovo prepaid water metering system takes
off
"Over 100 units of the award-winning AquaNovo water metering
system recently launched in the market by Bateman Water / Teqnovo have
already been supplied and orders for more units are flowing in,"
says Bob Weston, Manager, Prepaid systems.
"Prepayment for services is becoming an increasingly accepted concept
and is already in wide-spread use for the provision of electricity.
The AquaNovo system is set to similarly revolutionise the water industry
and will resolve many of the serious problems surrounding the delivery
of water to the residents of South Africa," claims Weston.
The AquaNovo standpipe system is durable, reliable and cost effective
and is intended to help provide each citizen with potable water at as
low a cost as possible. Its design features take into account the needs
of both the water consumers and distributing authorities in their communities.
Consumers
Consumers draw water from the standpipe meter by simply inserting a
prepaid tag into the meter and collecting the desired amount of water
in a portable container. The water dispensed is measured to the nearest
cupful (250 ml) and the credit balance is continually adjusted . The
meter is user- friendly and its rugged exterior gives no indication
of the high level of technology within. The unit communicates by means
of a simple set of beeps and keeps the user informed of the credit balance
in terms of 50 litre units. This method of communication makes the system
accessible to illiterates and children. The meter will not dispense
water if a tag is used which has run out of credit.
The meter is delivered as an assembled system ready to be coupled to
the underground water supply. The installation is completed by slipping
a 600 mm diameter, 500 mm long concrete or fibreglass sleeve over and
around the meter, filling it with a permeable mix and cementing it in
a pre-cast pervious deck forming a base which facilitates drainage and
keeps the surrounding area dry.
Distributing authorities
The total amount of water dispensed by a standpipe meter is recorded
by the water bailiff using a special tag when it is inserted into the
meter. This eliminates errors and reduces paper work.
The meter runs on dry cell batteries which provide between six and twelve
months operation. When the battery power pack runs low, a code is entered
onto the consumers' tags which is picked up at the point of sale when
further credit is purchased. Maintenance of the water meters is easy
because they are modular and faulty units are simply replaced.
Each point of sale is equipped with a computerised cash register which
can enter credit onto the tags, provide cash slips showing the amount
of water purchased , handle all sales functions and keep records. The
system offers numerous features aimed at making it user-friendly, durable
and tamper-proof.
Details on the AquaNovo system can be obtained from Bob Weston on +27-11-899-3275
or email bobwes@bmi.co.za.
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