How to Ensure Accurate Water Metering and Protect Data Against Tampering

Starting from September 2026, water extraction of more than 15 m³ per day from surface water bodies will be classified as a significant impact on the state of the water body. Consequently, companies will be required to obtain a special water use permit.

This new framework for water resource control imposes new obligations on businesses. At the same time, it presents a challenge for the state: to ensure high-precision measurement using devices that make recalibration or data falsification nearly impossible.

In this blog, we will discuss these types of water flow meters.

KROHNE WATERFLUX 3070 – The Gold Standard for Water Flow Measurement in Supply Networks

KROHNE electromagnetic flowmeters (magmeters) are industry leaders in the water sector. Their superiority is driven by several key factors:

  • Maximum Reliability: Featuring an accuracy of ±0.2% and a repeatability of ±0.1%.
  • Maintenance-Free Longevity: With no moving parts to wear out, the device maintains high precision for over 25 years.
  • Durable and Protected Design: The IP68 (NEMA 4X/6P) rating ensures resilience and minimizes the need for maintenance.
  • Tamper-Proof Data Security: Prevents unauthorized access to data, strictly adhering to metrological standards such as OIML R49 and MID MI-001.

From KROHNE’s diverse portfolio, the WATERFLUX 3070 is the most relevant model for compliance with these new regulations.

The WATERFLUX 3070 is one of the best magmeters for ensuring governmental accountability in the field of water extraction.

  • Unique Design – The device’s design optimizes the flow profile and doubles the average flow velocity within the sensor. Thanks to its unique rectangular sensor, it can be installed without straight inlet or outlet sections (0DN / 0DN). This is a critical factor for installations in narrow wells or pumping stations where space is limited.
  • Multi-Parameter Measurement – The WATERFLUX 3070 is the first device to combine flow, pressure, and temperature measurement into a single meter.
  • Network Health – For municipal companies, this provides a unified data source for leak detection, using comparative analysis of pressure drops and flow increases.
  • Integration and Connectivity – The device supports Modbus RTU (a low-power protocol) and can be connected to GPRS/4G data transmitters, such as the KGA 42 GSM. Data is sent to a secure server, and any attempt at manipulation is instantly reflected in the system as an alarm notification.
  • No Wearable Parts – Unlike mechanical meters, magmeters have no moving or wearable parts, ensuring superior reliability. It is specifically designed for the strict control of water extraction.
  • Long Battery Life – The device features a battery with a 15-year lifespan and requires no external power source. Consequently, it is ideal for operational wells or remote distribution lines where the electrical grid is inaccessible.
  • Direct Burial in Ground – With an IP68 protection rating and a special protective coating, the device is suitable for direct burial. This eliminates the need for constructing expensive concrete chambers.
  • Certification – The primary technical requirement for flow meters is legal metrological certification. The WATERFLUX 3070 is certified according to both the international OIML R49 and the European MID MI-001 directives. These are the two highest international standards for water meters required for compliance with government regulations.

Technical Specifications:

Accuracy Down to ±0.2% of measured value + 0.5 mm/s 
Pressure Loss Negligible (<0.01 Bar) due to unobstructed bore 
Certification OIML R49, MID MI-001 (Custody Transfer) 
Connectivity 4-20 mA, Modbus RTU, Pulse, Status, GPRS/4G (optional) 
Lining Rilsan® (Potable water approved: NSF, WRAS, ACS) 

OTT SVR 100 – OTT HydroMet’s Solution for Flow Monitoring in Open Channels and Rivers

For open channels and rivers, the OTT SVR 100 by OTT HydroMet is the premier solution. This device is ideal for measuring surface water velocity without the need for in-water installation. Since it is mounted above the water, the device is protected from rising water levels and floating debris.

  • Radar and Ultrasonic Measurement: The OTT SVR 100 measures water level and velocity contactlessly. Mounted at a safe height (up to 25 m) above the water surface, the sensor continues to operate even during flood events.
  • Tamper Protection: Because the device does not come into contact with the water, it is immune to mechanical interference or unauthorized manipulation of its readings.
  • Autonomous Operation: Integrated GSM connectivity makes the system ideal for monitoring remote locations.
  • QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control): Unique vibration and tilt sensors detect potential errors caused by wind or traffic on a bridge. Every measurement is accompanied by a built-in Quality Index (0-3).
  • State-of-the-Art Sensor Technology: Utilizing a 24 GHz (K-band) Doppler radar, the device records velocities ranging from 0.08 to 15 m/s. Its Kalman filter and pre-loaded physical modeling ensure stable measurements even under conditions of turbulence or heavy rain.
  • Certification: The SVR 100 comes with an official Declaration of Conformity issued by OTT HydroMet, where the manufacturer assumes full responsibility that the product complies with EU safety and environmental standards. It fully aligns with international hydrometric standards for determining water discharge via surface velocity (ISO 748). Furthermore, the device is compatible with other electronic systems and protected against external interference (2014/30/EU).

Ultimately, for the law to be truly effective, it is essential to mandate that companies utilize meters that:

  • Instantly store data on the appropriate secure servers;
  • Provide real-time transmission, eliminating the possibility of manual data adjustments;
  • Automatically detect anomalies, which often serve as indicators of attempted manipulation.

Consequently, the adoption of new legislation for water resource management is only as significant as its enforcement and the implementation of appropriate technologies. The solutions provided by KROHNE and OTT HydroMet offer the state a guarantee that water consumption is recorded with absolute precision and transparency.

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