710506MTBoxClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKWater companies have an increasing problem with water usage that for a number of reasons cannot be charged for by the water company. This water usage is non-revenue water (NRW), which is water that has been produced and is “lost” before it reaches the customer. Losses can be real losses (through leaks, sometimes also referred to as physical losses) or apparent losses (for example through theft or metering inaccuracies). High levels of NRW are detrimental to the financial viability of water utilities, as well to the quality of water services itself. Our Project, MTBox (MTB), will develop a proof of concept prototype ultrasonic ‘listening’ device for the measurement and detection of water flow and leaks in pipes. The device is attached to the outside of the pipe and will monitor water movement within those pipes and send SMS messages back to the water company. The device can be used on both internal and external pipework to detect changes in water flow, which enables a more accurate understanding of activity across individual parts of the water network. The objectives and main technical challenges of this project are to develop a proof of concept prototype ultrasonic listening sensor which uses differing frequencies to understand the movement of water in the pipe. We will use low cost electronics and sensor to keep the component costs as cheap as possible, with complex algorithms to interpret the data patterns and issue alerts wirelessly to a remote monitoring system. The solution has the capability to be retro fitted, thus dealing with the current property base but also will have the capability for the ‘listening element’ to be specified as a requirement for new build properties thus providing a protected network in the future and widening the appeal of the product. MTBox could offer water companies an effective and cost effective mechanism for tackling all of the above issues.