Smart Valve™ vs. the Alternatives
There are many approaches to reducing commercial water bills. A qualifying project may include written performance terms; results and service effects depend on the site.
Feature Comparison
= partial or situation-dependent
| Feature | Smart Valve™ | Low-Flow | Leak Detect | PRV | Nothing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written performance terms (qualifying sites) | |||||
| No change to water experience | |||||
| Works at main supply line | |||||
| No electricity or maintenance | |||||
| Single water shutdown only | |||||
| Project-specific measurement approach | |||||
| NSF 61 & 372 certified | |||||
| Compatible with all other systems | |||||
| Addresses metered water/sewer charges | |||||
| Typical savings range | |||||
| Typical Savings | AWS average just above 22%; varies | 5%–15% | Variable | 2%–8% | 0% |
Why the Alternatives Fall Short
Low-Flow Fixtures
Degrades ExperienceLow-flow aerators, low-flush toilets, and reduced-flow showerheads cut usage at point of use. They work — but guests notice, tenants complain, and operators push back. No guarantee, and savings diminish once the obvious changes are made.
Leak Detection
Reactive — Not ProactiveLeak detection is valuable — but it addresses abnormal events. Smart Valve™ addresses entrained air and flow fluctuations at the meter; results depend on the site.
Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV)
Limited ScopePRVs regulate static pressure. At very high incoming pressures, they can reduce some incidental overuse. But they don't address air entrainment — the primary mechanism by which meters overcount. No M&V verification, no written guarantee.
Water Recycling / Reclaim
High Capital, Narrow UseReclaim systems reuse greywater and are effective for car washes and irrigation. Capital costs are high, permitting is complex, and savings only apply to recyclable streams. Smart Valve™ addresses entrained air at the meter; compare project terms and results.
Review Written Performance Terms
AWS may offer a 15% minimum savings guarantee only for qualifying projects under a written performance agreement. Terms, measurement periods, fees, and any remedy are confirmed before installation; it is not a guarantee of net take-home savings.
Why Smart Valve™ Outperforms Every Alternative
Commercial water conservation programs fall into two broad categories: behavioral changes that require ongoing effort from building staff, and passive infrastructure upgrades that work automatically without any maintenance. Smart Valve™ belongs firmly in the second category. Unlike low-flow fixture retrofits, which reduce pressure and require tenant acceptance, or leak detection systems, which only address waste after it has already occurred, Smart Valve™ addresses the root cause of inflated water bills — the air entrained in pressurized municipal supply lines that registers on water meters as billable water volume.
Pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) regulate line pressure but do not address entrained air. Submetering systems add measurement capability but produce no savings on their own. Smart Valve™ is a passive, no-electricity device that helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter and moderates fluctuations; project terms and pressure effects are site-specific.
Comparison evidence varies by project and source. Smart Valve™ has been installed in hotels, multifamily apartment complexes, hospitals, data centers, car washes, and commercial office buildings across the United States and Canada. NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF 372 address materials used in drinking-water systems; they are not a universal water-quality or savings claim.
Water conservation solutions marketed to commercial property managers often promise savings without any contractual accountability. Low-flow aerators and showerheads reduce flow rates but require tenant acceptance and introduce pressure complaints. Automated leak detection platforms generate alerts and dashboards but address a different problem. Greywater recycling systems carry high capital costs, require significant facility modifications, and are subject to permitting requirements that vary by municipality. Project requirements, installation timing, and any written performance terms are confirmed for the site before work begins.
For property owners and managers comparing options, review each project's reported results, measurement period, fees, and performance terms. AWS may offer a 15% minimum savings guarantee only for qualifying projects under a written performance agreement.
AWS programs include an installation charge plus a fixed monthly service or rental fee based on eligible charges. Pricing and contract terms are confirmed for each project; this is not presented as a one-time purchase.
Commercial property operators considering Smart Valve™ typically begin with a free facility assessment. AWS field engineers review 12 months of utility bills, confirm building supply line configuration, and produce a site-specific savings projection before any installation commitment is made. AWS may offer a 15% minimum savings guarantee only for qualifying projects under a written performance agreement; eligibility and terms are confirmed in writing. This assessment carries no obligation and takes approximately 30 minutes of a facilities manager's time. Most clients receive their assessment report within five business days of submitting their utility bills. Full technical specifications, certifications, and installation dimensions are available in the Smart Valve™ Technical Info Sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions: Smart Valve™ vs. Alternatives
What makes Smart Valve™ different from low-flow fixtures?
Low-flow fixtures reduce flow rate at the point of use, which can affect user experience and often requires tenant buy-in. Smart Valve™ is installed after the meter and helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter while moderating fluctuations. Site effects and results vary.
Does Smart Valve™ come with a written guarantee?
AWS may offer a 15% minimum savings guarantee only for qualifying projects under a written performance agreement. The assessment confirms eligibility, measurement terms, fees, and any remedy; it is not a guarantee of net take-home savings.
How does Smart Valve™ compare to leak detection systems?
Leak detection platforms identify and alert on leaks, while Smart Valve™ addresses entrained air and flow fluctuations at the meter. AWS programs include an installation charge and fixed monthly service or rental fee based on eligible charges; compare the project terms.
Can Smart Valve™ be combined with other water conservation measures?
Smart Valve™ addresses entrained air and flow fluctuations at the meter. It can be installed alongside other measures, but combined effects and any performance terms are project-specific.
How long does installation take?
The planned installation shutdown is confirmed with the site. Later external adjustments can be made without a shutdown; timing and follow-up visits are agreed for each project.