A water heater includes a leak detection system. The leak detection system includes a leak sensor assembly that is disposed in a bottom pan of the water heater. The leak sensor assembly includes a sensor housing that has a sensor channel that is formed therein such that the sensor channel is disposed at an elevation from a base of the bottom pan when the sensor housing is disposed on the base of the bottom pan. Further, the leak sensor assembly includes a leak sensor that is disposed in the sensor channel of the sensor housing. The leak sensor detects water that leaks from the water heater and accumulates in the bottom pan when a level of the water in the bottom pan rises to the elevation of the sensor channel and the leak sensor that is disposed therein.

The present invention provides a system for regulating fluid flow made up of a solenoid valve interposed on a fluid supply line; a light switch that controls a light; a transformer with a primary side and a secondary side, wherein the primary side is placed in intermediate electrical communication with the light switch and the light, wherein the secondary side is in electrical communication with the solenoid valve, and wherein the solenoid valve allows flow through the fluid supply line when the light switch is activated and prevents flow through the fluid supply line when the light switch is deactivated.

A system for forecasting leaks in a fluid-delivery pipeline network. The system identifies a subsystem in the pipeline network that comprises a plurality of topologically connected stations. The system accesses historical temporal sensor measurements of a plurality of variables of the stations that are directly connected and generates a temporal causal dependency model for a first control variable at the first station in the subsystem, based on the plurality of time series of sensor measurements of a second variable of the first station, and temporal delay characteristics of the plurality of time series of sensor measurements of the second variable at the stations directly connected to the first station. The system automatically calculates a normal operating value of the first control variable at the first station and the deviations between actual measured values and the normal operating value and determines a threshold deviation that indicates a leak event.

Systems and methods of measuring properties of water in a water distribution system are provided. An analysis system, according to one embodiment, comprises a plurality of water sensors connected at various points to the water distribution system, each of the plurality of water sensors configured to measure a property of water. The analysis system also includes a computer server configured to communicate with the plurality of water sensors via a network and receive water measurement data from the plurality of water sensors. The computer server comprises a processor, a database configured to store the water measurement data, and a system health monitoring module configured to evaluate the health of the water distribution system to obtain health data. The analysis system further includes at least one client device configured to communicate with the computer server via the network and receive the health data from the computer server.

An abnormal consumption detection system is provided with remote valve control for a distributed water infrastructure. The system may comprise an electronically controllable valve, a remote communication transmitter, a remote communication receiver, at least one sensor for measuring water flow information associated with the distributed water infrastructure, and at least one processor. The system may determine from the water flow information obtained from the at least one sensor a potential abnormal consumption associated with the distributed water infrastructure. The system may automatically close a valve, without human intervention, when the potential abnormal consumption is determined. The system may transmit, via the remote communication transmitter to a remote administrator, alert information about the potential abnormal consumption to enable an administrator to decide based on the transmitted information whether to reopen the valve. The system may receive from the administrator via the remote communication receiver a control signal to reopen the valve, despite the information about the potential abnormal consumption, and reopen the valve.

A delayed shutoff device comprises a conduit configured to allow a fluid to flow through, wherein the conduit includes a conduit start and a conduit end. The device further comprises a plug configured to be placed inside the conduit at the conduit start; move inside the conduit from the conduit start toward the conduit end when the fluid flows through the conduit; and reduce the fluid flow upon reaching the conduit end. The device is configured to allow a pass-through quantity of the fluid to pass through the conduit while the plug moves from the conduit start to the conduit end. The conduit end may form a seat, the plug being configured to stop moving upon reaching the seat. The plug may be configured to fit the seat imperfectly, to allow a seepage of the fluid after reaching the seat.

The disclosed embodiments describe a method, apparatus, and system for water management. At least one smart aquameter may be used to connect to a plumbed water system. The smart aquameter may measure a variety of sensor data, process, analyze, store, report, or control information related to the water system. The acoustic, pressure, and temperature characteristics of water in a plumbed system, amongst other things, may be used to identify which outlet is using water, for how long, and how much. This information, along with other relevant information, may be utilized to report, alert, optimize, inform, educate, and regulate the water system, for consumers, utility companies, and resource agencies.

A fluid supply monitoring system includes a fluid sensor configured to identify a flow rate of a fluid through a supply line. The system comprises a valve configured to control the flow rate through the supply line and a pressure sensor configured to detect a fluid pressure. A controller is configured to receive the flow rate data and identify fluid consumption from the supply line based on the flow rate. The controller is further configured to compare the fluid consumption of a usage event to one of a time limit and a volume limit. In response to the fluid consumption exceeding the time limit or the volume limit, the controller controls the valve to a closed position and identifies a potential fluid leak. With the valve in the closed position, the controller processes a verification procedure that identifies whether the potential fluid leak is an actual fluid leak.

In order to keep the deterioration of water distribution pipes from progressing, a tap water management system is provided with: a water pressure detection unit for detecting the water pressure in at least one location in a water distribution pipe for carrying clean water from a water distribution site to a consumer. and transmitting the detection result as water pressure information; a deterioration detection unit for detecting deterioration in at least one location in a water distribution pipe, and transmitting the detection result as deterioration information; a water distribution planning unit for causing a water distribution plan that is a plan for water distribution pressure to be determined on the basis of information regarding past water demand; a deterioration-reducing water distribution planning unit for deciding, on the basis of the water distribution plan, the water pressure information, and the deterioration information, a deterioration-reducing water distribution plan according to the extent of deterioration; a water distribution pressure changing unit for changing the water distribution pressure of the water distribution pipe; and a water distribution pressure control unit for controlling the water distribution pressure changing unit on the basis of the deterioration-reducing water distribution plan.

The present invention is a water use and/or a water energy use monitoring apparatus that is affixed to the hot and cold water supply piping for continuously (or on demand) monitoring displaying the water and water energy (hot vs. ambient) use within a residential or commercial building. The water use monitor apparatus includes a power generation, a microprocessor, temperature and water flow sensors, optional water quality sensors, timing circuits, wireless circuitry, and a display means. A wired or wireless means is designed to electronically communicate water use, water energy use and/or water quality information to a remotely located display apparatus or typical cell phone, smart phones, or similar apparatus for convenient observation by a commercial, operator or occupier, resident, municipal or government agency.