Azerbaijan is entering a crucial phase in modernizing its water infrastructure and transitioning to digital management. To minimize water losses, ensure prompt response to accidents, and achieve more accurate consumption accounting, existing meters that have expired are being replaced with new-generation remote-reading technologies.
This innovative step is a key component of large-scale projects aimed at fully automating the water supply chain from source to end-user.
“All our water infrastructure projects include the application of SCADA solutions,” said Ilham Bayramov, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency. He noted that one of the final stages is the complete electronification of metering systems. “Currently, mainly mechanical and smart meters are used. Most of them have expired. We are already transitioning to new-generation meters that can be read and controlled remotely.”
According to Bahruz Aliyev, an Information Technology Engineer-Researcher and expert at the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Organizations Association, the shift to remote-reading meters is a necessary and timely step for digitalization. “The main goal is to fully automate the management chain from water source to end consumer. The objective is not just to replace old meters, but to reduce water losses, collect accurate data, manage network pressure, and respond more quickly to accidents.”
Aliyev highlighted key advantages: automatic data transmission, minimization of human errors, accurate billing, immediate leak detection, and online consumption monitoring for subscribers.
Vugar Oruj, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Society of Appraisers, believes the new meters meet international standards, prevent unauthorized interference, and offer remote measurement and digital control. He noted that the mass adoption of digital meters will gradually reduce long-standing problems and significantly cut infrastructure accidents.
