METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USING WATER USE SIGNATURES IN IMPROVING WATER USE EFFICIENCY

摘要

A flow anomaly is provided to an operator or other person by: executing a first device of a plurality of water using devices; receiving flow data on a quantity of water used by the first device during a time period required to generate a first water use signature from the first device; comparing a future water use pattern against the first water use signature to identify a flow anomaly with the first device; and providing information regarding the flow anomaly to the person. All water using devices are contemplated, including those employed at residential, commercial, industrial or other types of sites. It is especially contemplated that signatures are identified for multiple devices coupled to a common water supply system, with two or more of signatures compared against the same future water use pattern. Apparatus to accomplish these tasks is preferably housed in an irrigation controller, which may be advantageously coupled to a flow meter. The controller can operate a display that provides real time flow data, and a warning signal generator that provides an alert upon determination of the existence of a flow anomaly.