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Client Name: City of Santa Ana I AMI FEASIBILITY REPORT process not only reveals specific area leakage, it also reveals the length of time, and the volume of the leak. It can be a challenge to establish the DMA because of the current interconnectivity of the City system and the difficulty and challenge of installing meters at the inflows into the DMA to allow the in/out water measurements. The City could begin with areas that are easier to create (discrete) water zones or in areas of highest perceived water loss. 9.2.4 Supply Side Leakage Detection Leak detection capability is a clear key benefit of AMI. Utilizing acoustic sensing devices, AMI systems can detect a distribution system leak on the day it is audible to the sensors, and before it becomes a major issue. In addition, by simply utilizing the hourly usage data, many systems can provide near real-time alerts to the utility, especially when combined with DMAs. There are multiple vendors and technology options for leak detection systems marketed by major AMI system vendors. However, it is important to note that acoustic leakage detection connected to AMI systems is still being developed and is not yet widespread. 9.2.5 Customer Meter Accuracy Over time, water meters will degrade and eventually fail. AMI systems coupled with an MDMS can help to determine the failures quickly and assist testing programs (to determine whether meters are degrading) if utilized properly. For example, a customer with consistent daily water use that abruptly stops should be flagged for field review to make sure that the meter is not broken. In normal situations, it may be up to 2-3 months before a broken meter is found by the manual meter reading process, and 2-3 months of usage may not be billed. To fully realize the potential to assess meter accuracy, an MDMS will be required and calculations set up to match the unique usage profile conditions for the City customers. 10 Cost/Benefit Analysis A financial analysis was performed to identify the major cost categories and benefit areas based on the information, assumptions, and criteria identified in discussions with the City and contained in this report. 10.1 FINANCIAL MODEL An Excel -based financial analysis tool was utilized to support the development of a total cost of ownership financial analysis. This financial model is intended to accomplish the following: 1. Identify the costs associated with the AMI network implementation, MDMS implementation, and systems integration and project these costs over the multi-year period to implement the network and install the meters. 2. Identify the meter -related costs, including meter replacements, MTU installation, pit lid replacements, and related field work. 3. Identify the City and vendor project implementation costs and project these costs over the multi-year period to implement the project. 4. Identify the year -over -year, long-term costs to manage and support an AMI system. BLACK & VEATCH I Cost/Benefit Analysis 25G-161 43