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Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado, alongside Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, announced a partnership with Moen and Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade Inc. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, to install innovative technology in homes to detect and prevent water leaks — all in service of helping to lower residential water bills and reduce water damage claims.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that American families waste nearly one trillion gallons of water each year due to preventable leaks. These leaks, ranging from small drips to catastrophic floods, can result in high water bills and steep repair costs for homeowners — water damage in homes is six times more likely than fire damage and eight times more likely than theft. Every year, insurance companies pay out $15 billion to customers as a result of water damage with a significant amount tied to leaks.
The demonstration project will evaluate the impact of placing Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shut-off devices along the main water line in single-family residential homes in Miami-Dade County by observing water flow and water bill cost over a four-month period. This innovative device continuously monitors the pressure and flow rate of the water moving through a home’s pipes, to detect leaks as small as a drop a minute with Microleak Technology. With it, it is possible to detect, alert or shut off water and prevent leaks.
Specifically, the project will demonstrate how in-line water mitigation and shut-off can help prevent unnecessary water loss, mitigate against non-weather flooding, and reduce undue financial burdens by lowering water bills.
“Too often unexpected or unknown water leaks in homes result in a high financial burden for homeowners,” Commissioner Regalado said “I am proud to join with Commissioner Gonzalez to fund Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade for the installation of an innovative and cost-saving solution for residents — one that not only saves people money but also helps to reduce water loss and unnecessary water waste.”
Placed on private property, the Flo Smart Water device monitors water usage and flow and upon detection of a leak will notify the homeowner or automatically shut off the water to prevent future damage. Through the device homeowners are alerted to and can remotely monitor and control their home’s water.
“Technology that leverages AI exists that can not only detect leaks, but can help prevent them from even happening,” Commissioner Gonzalez said. “By mitigating against the impacts of damage due to water leaks, we present a proactive solution to our residents to help them save money. I am pleased to come together with Commissioner Regalado in funding the initial stage of this demonstration project.”
With the installation of in-line water monitoring devices, this first-in-the-nation demonstration project will help to safeguard homes from future non-weather leaks and water damage by monitoring water usage, temperature, and pressure. The device does not protect against water damage incurred from weather-related flooding.
“Water damage accounts for almost 25 percent of insurance claims nation-wide,” said Jeff Barnes, senior vice president, Moen. “A significant portion of claims are avoidable events caused by leaks, pipe damage, and drainage issues. Through the Flo Smart Water Monitor, we can mitigate against leaks and work to prevent catastrophic water damage.”
The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shut-Off device will be installed in homes in Miami-Dade County Districts 7 and 11. Each home was selected by Rebuilding Together, a leading national non-profit organization which provides free critical repair to homeowners in need.
“We are grateful for the support from Commissioners Regalado and Gonzalez,” said JS Rashid, vice president of the board of directors of Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade.
“Through their partnership, we are able to continue our mission to support our homeowners and participate in this first of its kind demonstration project to protect homeowners from water damage and conserve water.”
Data collected through the demonstration project will support advocacy at the state and federal level to update incentives for leak mitigation and leak shut-off — all in service of reducing cost to homeowners.
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