The benefits of managing both network data and AMI consumption data
Overview
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) leverages TaKaDu CEM (Central Event Management) solution over eight years to analyze both aggregated consumption data collected from consumer AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) meters (residential and commercial) and supply data gathered from network flow meters and, where applicable, reservoir level meters.
Traditionally, each metric (supply or consumption) viewed in isolation has limitations and can lead to misinterpretations. By integrating and analyzing them together in a single application, KUB improves its visibility, streamlines decision-making, reduces operational errors, and prevents unnecessary costs—such as false-positive leak detection campaigns, delayed repairs, or misdiagnosis of faulty assets.
This case study presents five examples demonstrating how KUB benefits from combining supply and consumption analysis.
Example 1- Hidden Flow from Faulty Check Valves
In March 2025, the supply in the Beaumont Zone unexpectedly increased from 90 to 180 gal/min, without a corresponding rise in consumption. Initially, this was suspected to indicate a leak, but since the routine six-month leak detection inspection found none, the team continued exploring other directions. Further investigation traced the issue to a combination of faulty check valves-devices that allow flow in one direction only – which were leaking into the lower pressure zone. After the damaged valves were repaired (one in March and another in June), the flow dropped below previous levels and returned to normal. Pump run times have decreased considerably since recirculating water back into the lower pressure zone stopped.
Benefit: Early identification of the faulty valves saved both energy and time, while preventing unnecessary fieldwork.
Example 2- Seasonal irrigation, not leaks
From March 2025 onward, supply in the Duncan Road Zone gradually increased, with a sharper rise observed in late June. When comparing supply with consumption, KUB noted a matching trend, which kept the “Diff” graph (representing water loss) stable—pointing only to a minor, low-priority leak. KUB validated this with additional analysis using the Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) and Night Flow.
Benefit: The increase was attributed to seasonal irrigation rather than leaks, enabling KUB to avoid deploying leak detection teams unnecessarily.
The following graphs present Supply (green), Consumption (blue), and Diff (black). The Diff (difference) is derived by subtracting consumption from supply and indicates the amount of water loss.
Example 3- Overall balance and reliability
KUB uses TaKaDu to create a bird’s-eye view of the network by aggregating supply and consumption across all the district metered areas (DMAs). Automatic and manual analysis confirmed both curves tracked consistently, with no significant gaps requiring further investigation.
Benefit: A holistic validation of the network confirmed overall balance and reliability.
Example 4- Faulty meter
In August 2025, supply in Chapman Highway South zone dropped from 430 to 300 gal/min, while consumption remained consistent. This mismatch pointed to a meter malfunction rather than a real supply issue. KUB promptly identified and recalibrated the faulty flow meter.
Benefit: Quick resolution of meter issues prevented misinterpretation as reduced demand or hidden leaks.
Example 5- Consumer-side leaks
In January 2023, freezing conditions caused many consumer-side pipe bursts, dramatically increasing supply requirements. By analyzing supply and consumption together, KUB determined that 85% of leaks were on customer premises. To mitigate risks, KUB temporarily shut off water supply for vacant homes.
Benefit: KUB avoided launching a distribution-level leak campaign and instead focused on consumer-side leaks, ensuring production stability, minimizing water losses, and reducing property damage for consumers.
The following graphs show Supply (green), Consumption (blue), and Diff (black). The rise in consumption in January, resulting from consumer-side leaks, was mirrored by a similar increase in supply. Following a temporary shutdown of the water supply and the repair of those leaks, supply and consumption returned to normal levels in February.
About KUB
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is a municipally owned utility serving more than 501,000 customers in Knoxville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. Established in 1939, KUB provides electric, fiber, natural gas, water, and wastewater services, with a water service territory of approximately 188 square miles.
KUB operates more than 1,400 miles of water mains, a single water treatment plant, and an extensive distribution network, ensuring reliable delivery of safe drinking water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. In addition to its operational role, KUB is recognized for its commitment to infrastructure modernization, sustainability, and customer service.
“Our adoption of advanced analytics and monitoring tools, including AMI and TaKaDu’s CEM, allows us to modernize operations, reduce water loss, and proactively manage assets. These technologies help us ensure safe, sustainable, and resilient services for our community—today and for the future.”
Drew Keler, Team Lead of Water and Wastewater Planning, Operational Programs, and GIS, Knoxville Utilities Board
About TaKaDu
TaKaDu is a global leader in Central Event Management (CEM) solutions for water utilities. By collecting and analyzing diverse data sources, including flow, pressure, consumption (AMI), and reservoir levels—TaKaDu enables utilities to detect, classify, and manage network events in real time.
For the last decade, utilities around the world have used TaKaDu to improve operational efficiency, reduce non-revenue water, and optimize asset management. The platform supports a wide range of use cases, from early leak detection and meter malfunction identification to managing pressure anomalies, reservoir level drops, and customer-side incidents.
“Our mission is to give utilities a single source of truth for their operational events. By bringing supply and consumption data together in one platform, we help utilities like KUB make faster, more confident decisions, saving both water and resources.”
Udi Geismar, VP Sales & Customer Success, TaKaDu
TaKaDu is recognized internationally for its innovation and contribution to sustainable water management, helping utilities improve reliability and resilience while ensuring better service for their customers.
