Residential water meter selection using the analytical hierarchy process

The need for accurate measurement of water used by customers has led to technological advances in diverse types of water meter designs. However, the question of which meter is the best continues to trouble water utility managers. Until now, there have been no set guidelines for water meter selection. The traditional approach for selecting water meters has been based on initial meter error performance and price. Although this information is useful, it is inadequate for optimal meter selection because water meter performance is influenced by multiple factors in real-world operating conditions. This article proposes a methodological framework for residential water meter selection using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and performance/economic criteria. The application of the proposed procedure is illustrated using the Kampala water utility in Uganda as an example, in which the best meter for the water utility was the multijet type.