Device and app can help customers track water use in real time and detect potential leaks
SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 (LOS ANGELES)—A new pilot program from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers a substantial discount for the purchase of Flume, a smart home water monitoring device that attaches directly to the customer’s water meter. Under the pilot program, eligible LADWP customers can purchase the WIFI-enabled device, which delivers real-time water usage data to the customer’s smartphone or tablet via a downloaded app. Retailed at $199, after the discount, the device’s total cost is just $24, plus shipping and taxes. Mayor Eric Garcetti joined LADWP leadership at the Van Nuys home of an LADWP customer who installed Flume to his water meter recently, to better monitor water use at his home.
“We don’t need a crystal ball to see that skyrocketing temperatures and dying reservoirs are in our future, so we need to keep finding ways to help Angelenos double down on their historic efforts to conserve,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “While Angelenos have taken our calls to cut back to heart, it can be hard to manage what you can’t measure – and now, thanks to the Flume device, customers can have the awareness they need to stay on top of their water use and understand where and when they need to be doing a better job of conserving.”
“We heard from our customers on what they say will help them better take control of their water use and their utility bills and we are excited to be able to provide a considerable direct discount that we hope will incentivize our customers to adopt the use of this smart device,” said Commissioner Mia Lehrer of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. “This direct discount, along with other LADWP water conservation rebates like the generous turf replacement incentive and $500 rebate for efficient clothes washers, is another important tool for customers during this historic drought.”
Smart home water monitoring devices are among a growing category of devices that provides users real-time water monitoring and leak detection capabilities.
LADWP has chosen to offer a direct discount for the Flume device because of its easy installation, which consists of simply attaching the device to the water meter, no plumbing required. From there, the device sensor measures the water meter’s magnetic field, then sends that data to a connected mobile device via the downloaded Flume app.
The app offers a suite of features that help customers understand and take control of their water use. Flume allows customers access to granular water data in real-time. Flume puts the power of water savings in homeowners’ hands by providing them with 24/7 water monitoring for their indoor and outdoor water consumption, customizable leak detection, and water budgets.
The budgeting tool allows customers to set targets for their usage, and smart leak alerts notify customers when unusual water use is detected. Also included is data analysis on water usage, both indoors and outdoors, and the breakdown of water used by common fixtures and appliances, such as toilets, showers, and clothes washers.
“A key part of being more conscientious about our water use is understanding how we’re actually using that water. Currently, our customers learn their home’s water use through their bi-monthly LADWP bill,” said Martin Adams, LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer. “But through the Flume device, we can get this information into our customers’ hands in real time, empowering them to make more informed decisions about their water use, to detect a potential leak, and ultimately to save on their water bill.”
To be eligible for the discount, customers must live in a single-family residence and purchase the device directly through the Flume website at www.flumewater.com/ladwp. The device normally retails for $199, but through LADWP’s pilot program, customers can purchase a Flume for just $49, shipping and tax not included. A $25 refundable deposit is automatically refunded once the customer has installed the device, resulting in a total cost of only $24, plus shipping and taxes.
For more information about the pilot program and to purchase a device, please visit www.flumewater.com/ladwp. Information about LADWP’s other rebated devices is available at ladwp.com/save.
Other Resources:
Flume installation video (English)
