Ground truth/pilot tests of new data collection tools are necessary. The interim evaluation included an activity to use ultrasonic meters alongside the water utility’s meters to assess meter inaccuracies and as a potential source of water consumption data. One of the challenges encountered in the ultrasonic metering activity, for example was that the meters purchased did not fit many of the boxes where they were to be installed. This issue caused delays in data collection and affected the water supply test response rate and sample size. Testing of the equipment prior to roll out would have determined whether or not these meters would work in this context and the challenge could have been avoided.
Lesson Learned