Smart Hydrant Tech Gives Utilities Clearer Water System Data

McWane is expanding its water infrastructure technology portfolio with the launch of iHydrantPlus, a smart hydrant platform built to help utilities monitor leaks, pressure changes, temperature and overall system conditions in real time.

The platform builds on McWane’s original iHydrant technology, but adds a wider set of monitoring tools. By combining acoustic leak detection, pressure monitoring, temperature data and machine learning, iHydrantPlus is designed to give public and private water utilities a clearer view of what is happening across their distribution systems.

For utilities, that visibility is becoming more important. Aging infrastructure, water scarcity, climate-related stress and tighter operating budgets are putting more pressure on water systems. At the same time, many utilities are still working with limited network data, making it harder to identify issues before they become costly failures.

iHydrantPlus is aimed at helping operators move from reactive maintenance to earlier detection. The platform can flag potential leaks, pressure anomalies and system changes, giving crews better information on where to investigate first. For utilities managing large service areas, that kind of targeted insight can reduce guesswork and support faster response times.

Leak Detection and Pressure Data Support Better Utility Decisions

Non-revenue water remains a major challenge for water utilities. Treated water can be lost through leaks, pressure problems or system failures before it reaches customers. That means utilities lose both the water itself and the energy, chemicals and labor already invested in treating and moving it.

McWane is positioning iHydrantPlus as a tool to help utilities better protect that investment. Instead of relying on isolated readings, the platform brings together multiple data points from hydrant-based monitoring. Acoustic, pressure and temperature data can help operators identify patterns that may not be obvious from a single reading.

The hydrant-based design is a key part of the platform. McWane says iHydrantPlus maintains the installation approach used in the original iHydrant system while adding new analytics and alert capabilities. For utilities with limited staff or capital resources, this may make adoption more practical than larger, more disruptive infrastructure upgrades.

The system is also designed to work without interfering with routine hydrant operations. That matters for utilities trying to modernize while maintaining core field functions such as flushing, maintenance and emergency response.

As water systems face growing pressure to improve resilience, reduce water loss and make better use of existing assets, smart hydrant technology offers one path toward more data-driven operations. iHydrantPlus gives utilities another option for turning everyday infrastructure into a source of real-time network intelligence, without requiring a full system overhaul.