Overview

This dataset offers valuable insights into yearly domestic water consumption across various Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) or Data Zones, accompanied by the count of water meters within each area. It is instrumental for analysing residential water use patterns, facilitating water conservation efforts, and guiding infrastructure development and policy making at a localised level.

Key Definitions

Aggregation

The process of summarising or grouping data to obtain a single or reduced set of information, often for analysis or reporting purposes.

AMR Meter

Automatic meter reading (AMR) is the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from a water meter remotely and periodically.

Dataset

Structured and organised collection of related elements, often stored digitally, used for analysis and interpretation in various fields.

Data Zone

Data zones are the key geography for the dissemination of small area statistics in Scotland

Dumb Meter

A dumb meter or analogue meter is read manually. It does not have any external connectivity.

Granularity

Data granularity is a measure of the level of detail in a data structure. In time-series data, for example, the granularity of measurement might be based on intervals of years, months, weeks, days, or hours

ID

Abbreviation for Identification that refers to any means of verifying the unique identifier assigned to each asset for the purposes of tracking, management, and maintenance.

LSOA

Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOA) are a geographic hierarchy designed to improve the reporting of small area statistics in England and Wales.

Open Data Triage

The process carried out by a Data Custodian to determine if there is any evidence of sensitivities associated with Data Assets, their associated Metadata and Software Scripts used to process Data Assets if they are used as Open Data.

Schema

Structure for organising and handling data within a dataset, defining the attributes, their data types, and the relationships between different entities. It acts as a framework that ensures data integrity and consistency by specifying permissible data types and constraints for each attribute.

Smart Meter

A smart meter is an electronic device that records information and communicates it to the consumer and the supplier. It differs from automatic meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communication between the meter and the supplier.

Units

Standard measurements used to quantify and compare different physical quantities.

Water Meter

Water metering is the practice of measuring water use. Water meters measure the volume of water used by residential and commercial building units that are supplied with water by a public water supply system.

Data History

Data Origin

Domestic consumption data is recorded using water meters. The consumption recorded is then sent back to water companies. This dataset is extracted from the water companies.

Data Triage Considerations

This section discusses the careful handling of data to maintain anonymity and addresses the challenges associated with data updates, such as identifying household changes or meter replacements.

Identification of Critical Infrastructure

This aspect is not applicable for the dataset, as the focus is on domestic water consumption and does not contain any information that reveals critical infrastructure details.

Commercial Risks and Anonymisation

Individual Identification Risks

There is a potential risk of identifying individuals or households if the consumption data is updated irregularly (e.g., every 6 months) and an out-of-cycle update occurs (e.g., after 2 months), which could signal a change in occupancy or ownership. Such patterns need careful handling to avoid accidental exposure of sensitive information.

Meter and Property Association

Challenges arise in maintaining historical data integrity when meters are replaced but the property remains the same. Ensuring continuity in the data without revealing personal information is crucial.

Interpretation of Null Consumption

Instances of null consumption could be misunderstood as a lack of water use, whereas they might simply indicate missing data. Distinguishing between these scenarios is vital to prevent misleading conclusions.

Meter Re-reads

The dataset must account for instances where meters are read multiple times for accuracy.

Joint Supplies & Multiple Meters per Household

Special consideration is required for households with multiple meters as well as multiple households that share a meter as this could complicate data aggregation.

Schema Consistency with the Energy Industry:

In formulating the schema for the domestic water consumption dataset, careful consideration was given to the potential risks to individual privacy. This evaluation included examining the frequency of data updates, the handling of property and meter associations, interpretations of null consumption, meter re-reads, joint suppliers, and the presence of multiple meters within a single household as described above.

After a thorough assessment of these factors and their implications for individual privacy, it was decided to align the dataset's schema with the standards established within the energy industry. This decision was influenced by the energy sector's experience and established practices in managing similar risks associated with smart meters. This ensures a high level of data integrity and privacy protection.

Schema

The dataset schema is aligned with those used in the energy industry, which has encountered similar challenges with smart meters. However, it is important to note that the energy industry has a much higher density of meter distribution, especially smart meters.

Aggregation to Mitigate Risks

The dataset employs an elevated level of data aggregation to minimise the risk of individual identification. This approach is crucial in maintaining the utility of the dataset while ensuring individual privacy. The aggregation level is carefully chosen to remove identifiable risks without excluding valuable data, thus balancing data utility with privacy concerns.

Data Freshness

Users should be aware that this dataset reflects historical consumption patterns and does not represent real-time data.

Publish Frequency

Annually

Data Triage Review Frequency

An annual review is conducted to ensure the dataset's relevance and accuracy, with adjustments made based on specific requests or evolving data trends.

Data Specifications

For the domestic water consumption dataset, the data specifications are designed to ensure comprehensiveness and relevance, while maintaining clarity and focus. The specifications for this dataset include:

·
Each dataset encompasses recordings of domestic water consumption as measured and reported by the data publisher. It excludes commercial consumption.

· Where it is necessary to estimate consumption, this is calculated based on actual meter readings.

· Meters of all types (smart, dumb, AMR) are included in this dataset.

·
The dataset is updated and published annually.

·
Historical data may be made available to facilitate trend analysis and comparative studies, although it is not mandatory for each dataset release.

Context

Users are cautioned against using the dataset for immediate operational decisions regarding water supply management. The data should be interpreted considering potential seasonal and weather-related influences on water consumption patterns.

The geographical data provided does not pinpoint locations of water meters within an LSOA.

The dataset aims to cover a broad spectrum of households, from single-meter homes to those with multiple meters, to accurately reflect the diversity of water use within an LSOA.

Supplementary Information

1. Below is a curated selection of links for additional reading, which provide a deeper understanding of this dataset.

2. Ofwat guidance on water meters

3. https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/prs_lft_101117meters.pdf

Overview    This dataset offers valuable insights into yearly domestic water consumption across various Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) or Data Zones, accompanied by the count of water meters within each area. It is instrumental for analysing residential water use patterns, facilitating water conservation efforts, and guiding infrastructure development and policy making at a localised level. Key Definitions    Aggregation   The process of summarising or grouping data to obtain a single or reduced set of information, often for analysis or reporting purposes.     AMR Meter Automatic meter reading (AMR) is the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from a water meter remotely and periodically. Dataset   Structured and organised collection of related elements, often stored digitally, used for analysis and interpretation in various fields.  Data Zone Data zones are the key geography for the dissemination of small area statistics in Scotland Dumb Meter A dumb meter or analogue meter is read manually. It does not have any external connectivity. Granularity   Data granularity is a measure of the level of detail in a data structure. In time-series data, for example, the granularity of measurement might be based on intervals of years, months, weeks, days, or hours   ID   Abbreviation for Identification that refers to any means of verifying the unique identifier assigned to each asset for the purposes of tracking, management, and maintenance.    LSOA Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOA) are a geographic hierarchy designed to improve the reporting of small area statistics in England and Wales. Open Data Triage   The process carried out by a Data Custodian to determine if there is any evidence of sensitivities associated with Data Assets, their associated Metadata and Software Scripts used to process Data Assets if they are used as Open Data.    Schema   Structure for organising and handling data within a dataset, defining the attributes, their data types, and the relationships between different entities. It acts as a framework that ensures data integrity and consistency by specifying permissible data types and constraints for each attribute.    Smart Meter A smart meter is an electronic device that records information and communicates it to the consumer and the supplier. It differs from automatic meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communication between the meter and the supplier. Units   Standard measurements used to quantify and compare different physical quantities.  Water Meter Water metering is the practice of measuring water use. Water meters measure the volume of water used by residential and commercial building units that are supplied with water by a public water supply system. Data History    Data Origin    Domestic consumption data is recorded using water meters. The consumption recorded is then sent back to water companies. This dataset is extracted from the water companies. Data Triage Considerations    This section discusses the careful handling of data to maintain anonymity and addresses the challenges associated with data updates, such as identifying household changes or meter replacements. Identification of Critical Infrastructure  This aspect is not applicable for the dataset, as the focus is on domestic water consumption and does not contain any information that reveals critical infrastructure details. Commercial Risks and Anonymisation Individual Identification Risks There is a potential risk of identifying individuals or households if the consumption data is updated irregularly (e.g., every 6 months) and an out-of-cycle update occurs (e.g., after 2 months), which could signal a change in occupancy or ownership. Such patterns need careful handling to avoid accidental exposure of sensitive information. Meter and Property Association Challenges arise in maintaining historical data integrity when meters are replaced but the property remains the same. Ensuring continuity in the data without revealing personal information is crucial. Interpretation of Null Consumption Instances of null consumption could be misunderstood as a lack of water use, whereas they might simply indicate missing data. Distinguishing between these scenarios is vital to prevent misleading conclusions. Meter Re-reads The dataset must account for instances where meters are read multiple times for accuracy. Joint Supplies & Multiple Meters per Household Special consideration is required for households with multiple meters as well as multiple households that share a meter as this could complicate data aggregation. Schema Consistency with the Energy Industry: In formulating the schema for the domestic water consumption dataset, careful consideration was given to the potential risks to individual privacy. This evaluation included examining the frequency of data updates, the handling of property and meter associations, interpretations of null consumption, meter re-reads, joint suppliers, and the presence of multiple meters within a single household as described above. After a thorough assessment of these factors and their implications for individual privacy, it was decided to align the dataset's schema with the standards established within the energy industry. This decision was influenced by the energy sector's experience and established practices in managing similar risks associated with smart meters. This ensures a high level of data integrity and privacy protection. Schema The dataset schema is aligned with those used in the energy industry, which has encountered similar challenges with smart meters. However, it is important to note that the energy industry has a much higher density of meter distribution, especially smart meters. Aggregation to Mitigate Risks The dataset employs an elevated level of data aggregation to minimise the risk of individual identification. This approach is crucial in maintaining the utility of the dataset while ensuring individual privacy. The aggregation level is carefully chosen to remove identifiable risks without excluding valuable data, thus balancing data utility with privacy concerns. Data Freshness  Users should be aware that this dataset reflects historical consumption patterns and does not represent real-time data. Publish Frequency  Annually Data Triage Review Frequency    An annual review is conducted to ensure the dataset's relevance and accuracy, with adjustments made based on specific requests or evolving data trends. Data Specifications   For the domestic water consumption dataset, the data specifications are designed to ensure comprehensiveness and relevance, while maintaining clarity and focus. The specifications for this dataset include: Each dataset encompasses recordings of domestic water consumption as measured and reported by the data publisher. It excludes commercial consumption. Where it is necessary to estimate consumption, this is calculated based on actual meter readings. Meters of all types (smart, dumb, AMR) are included in this dataset. The dataset is updated and published annually. Historical data may be made available to facilitate trend analysis and comparative studies, although it is not mandatory for each dataset release. Context   Users are cautioned against using the dataset for immediate operational decisions regarding water supply management. The data should be interpreted considering potential seasonal and weather-related influences on water consumption patterns. The geographical data provided does not pinpoint locations of water meters within an LSOA. The dataset aims to cover a broad spectrum of households, from single-meter homes to those with multiple meters, to accurately reflect the diversity of water use within an LSOA.

This dataset offers valuable insights into yearly domestic water consumption across various Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) or Data Zones, accompanied by the count of water meters within each area. It is instrumental for analysing residential water use patterns, facilitating water conservation efforts, and guiding infrastructure development and policy making at a localised level.Data HistoryData OriginDomestic consumption data is recorded using water meters. The consumption recorded is then sent back to water companies. This dataset is extracted from the water companies.Data Triage ConsiderationsThis section discusses the careful handling of data to maintain anonymity and addresses the challenges associated with data updates, such as identifying household changes or meter replacements.Identification of Critical InfrastructureThis aspect is not applicable for the dataset, as the focus is on domestic water consumption and does not contain any information that reveals critical infrastructure details.Commercial Risks and AnonymisationIndividual Identification RisksThere is a potential risk of identifying individuals or households if the consumption data is updated irregularly (e.g., every 6 months) and an out-of-cycle update occurs (e.g., after 2 months), which could signal a change in occupancy or ownership. Such patterns need careful handling to avoid accidental exposure of sensitive information.Meter and Property AssociationChallenges arise in maintaining historical data integrity when meters are replaced but the property remains the same. Ensuring continuity in the data without revealing personal information is crucial.Interpretation of Null ConsumptionInstances of null consumption could be misunderstood as a lack of water use, whereas they might simply indicate missing data. Distinguishing between these scenarios is vital to prevent misleading conclusions.Meter Re-readsThe dataset must account for instances where meters are read multiple times for accuracy.Joint Supplies & Multiple Meters per HouseholdSpecial consideration is required for households with multiple meters as well as multiple households that share a meter as this could complicate data aggregation.Schema Consistency with the Energy IndustryIn formulating the schema for the domestic water consumption dataset, careful consideration was given to the potential risks to individual privacy. This evaluation included examining the frequency of data updates, the handling of property and meter associations, interpretations of null consumption, meter re-reads, joint suppliers, and the presence of multiple meters within a single household as described above.After a thorough assessment of these factors and their implications for individual privacy, it was decided to align the dataset's schema with the standards established within the energy industry. This decision was influenced by the energy sector's experience and established practices in managing similar risks associated with smart meters. This ensures a high level of data integrity and privacy protection.SchemaThe dataset schema is aligned with those used in the energy industry, which has encountered similar challenges with smart meters. However, it is important to note that the energy industry has a much higher density of meter distribution, especially smart meters.Aggregation to Mitigate RisksThe dataset employs an elevated level of data aggregation to minimise the risk of individual identification. This approach is crucial in maintaining the utility of the dataset while ensuring individual privacy. The aggregation level is carefully chosen to remove identifiable risks without excluding valuable data, thus balancing data utility with privacy concerns.Data FreshnessUsers should be aware that this dataset reflects historical consumption patterns and does not represent real-time data.Publish FrequencyAnnually (1st of April to the 31st of March)Data Triage Review FrequencyAn annual review is conducted to ensure the dataset's relevance and accuracy, with adjustments made based on specific requests or evolving data trends.Data SpecificationsFor the domestic water consumption dataset, the data specifications are designed to ensure comprehensiveness and relevance, while maintaining clarity and focus. The specifications for this dataset include:Each dataset encompasses recordings of domestic water consumption as measured and reported by the data publisher. It excludes commercial consumption.Where it is necessary to estimate consumption, this is calculated based on actual meter readings.Meters of all types (smart, dumb, AMR) are included in this dataset.The dataset is updated and published annually (1st of April to the 31st of March).Historical data may be made available to facilitate trend analysis and comparative studies, although it is not mandatory for each dataset release.The dataset includes LSOAs with 10 or more meters. Any LSOAs with less than 10 meters have been excluded.ContextUsers are cautioned against using the dataset for immediate operational decisions regarding water supply management. The data should be interpreted considering potential seasonal and weather-related influences on water consumption patterns.The geographical data provided does not pinpoint locations of water meters within an LSOA.The dataset aims to cover a broad spectrum of households, from single-meter homes to those with multiple meters, to accurately reflect the diversity of water use within an LSOA.Supplementary InformationBelow is a curated selection of links for additional reading, which provide a deeper understanding of this dataset:Stream - The Value of a Domestic Consumption Data Use Case: https://www.streamwaterdata.co.uk/apps/0742154c5c1547cb8df235ccf2f66d57/exploreOfwat - Guidance on water meters: https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/prs_lft_101117meters.pdf