How NB-IoT Metering Strengthened Operations at Bernkastel-Kues Utility in Germany

Bernkastel-Kues Utility, working with Mainlink’s partner Heitland, is modernizing its water metering infrastructure using Mainlink’s NB-IoT ultrasonic water meters, data management platform, and mobile app. The project is expected to include 4,000 water meters by the end of 2026.

Location: Germany 

Client: Utility

Partner: Ernst Heitland GmbH & Co. KG

The Bernkastel-Kues utility deployed NB-IoT ultrasonic water meters integrated with the Mainlink’s data analytics platform and the SURU mobile application. The goal was to achieve continuous visibility across the network, reduce non-revenue water, and improve both operational efficiency and customer transparency.

The Challenge 

Prior to the upgrade, the utility relied on wM-Bus meters, which supported annual billing but offered little insight into daily consumption patterns, leak events, or overall system performance.

As a result:

  • Non-revenue water often remained undetected for extended periods
  • Billing cycles required significant manual effort
  • Investigating customer queries or suspected leaks was time-consuming
  • End users had no access to their own consumption data
  • Digital interaction between the utility and its customers was limited

In addition, evolving EU data regulations require utilities to provide accessible historical consumption data to end users – something the existing system could not support.

The Solution 

The utility implemented a fully integrated NB-IoT smart metering system, combining:

  • 1500 Axioma NB-IoT ultrasonic meters installed (~4,000 planned by the end of 2026)
  • Mainlink data management platform
  • SURU mobile application

Delivered by Heitland as a complete solution, the system simplified deployment – requiring only meter installation, with automatic activation and connectivity.

Results

Following implementation, the utility has already seen clear operational improvements:

  • More efficient and streamlined billing processes
  • Early detection of leaks, particularly in public buildings, enabling timely repairs
  • Faster and more accurate responses to customer enquiries
  • Improved transparency for residents through access to detailed consumption, billing, and insurance data
  • Compliance with EU data regulations
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