info@susteq.nlHow does the Susteq Solution work?
What is the Susteq Solution?
The Susteq Solution is a prepaid water solution and consists of:
- Water Hub for end-users
- Shop Hub for water credit vending
- Smart tokens for fetching water, selling and maintenance
- Online monitoring dashboard, incl. mobile payments
The Water Hub is a prepaid water dispenser (also called water ATM, water meter or prepaid meter).
The Susteq Solution is designed to ensure easy and reliable access to water for customers while helping water service providers manage their resources. The Susteq Water ATM connects to existing water infrastructure and enables customers to pay a fair and transparent price for water which can be accessed 24/7.
Where can the Susteq Water Hub be installed?
The Water Hub is delivered as a modular system that can be built in a metal or concrete casing or in another existing structure. The Hub comes with an integrated solar panel. Common installations are in existing water kiosks, in a sheet metal panel or on a purification unit.
Check the overview picture for some examples.
Can I install the system myself?
Yes, the system comes with user-friendly manuals, available in English and French. We can provide on-site or online training if needed. In some countries we have a local distributor that offers additional services like installation, maintenance and support.
How can I fetch water from the system?
Just press the button corresponding to the tap, present your token in front of the reader and water starts flowing. Customers can buy water credits via cash, mobile payment or integration with a billing system. These credits are then loaded on the blue user token, immediately ready for use!
How is the water dispensed from the ATM?
Susteq Water ATM’s can accommodate 1 to 3 taps (outlets) that can be used simultaneously to serve more customers per water ATM and reduce queuing times.
The Susteq ATM standard tap diameter is 1″, suitable for quick filling even at low pressures. Tap diameters are available up to 2″ making the ATM also suitable for example for cattle water supply and truck filling stations. A smaller diameter of ½” is also available for dispensing small quantities of (filtered) water.
The water flow stops if the requested volume (eg. 20L) has been reached or if the customer presses the button again. Specific water quantities can also be set per tap and even per token.
How is the system powered?
Susteq Water ATMs use minimal power and can run on a 5Wp solar unit, requiring no grid connection. When there is no sun, the battery will power the system for up to 8 days. Alternatively the system can be connected to a 12V power source, which must have continuous power for optimal performance.
Does the system need a mobile network?
A mobile network is needed to send data to the monitoring dashboard. This only requires a GPRS connection once a day. If there is no network the water can still flow and customers can fetch water as usual. The data will be sent later when there is a GPRS connection again.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of users?
The business of a waterpoint is highly depending on the local context. Our experience is that a 3-tap system can comfortably serve between 200 and 250 households, taking into account busy visiting hours in the morning and evening. There is no minimum number of users, but fewer users may result in less busy water points that have a longer return on investment.
What is the cost of the Susteq Solution?
As the Susteq Solution is highly modular to adapt to your situation, pricing varies a lot. Please reach out to us to explain about your use case and request a quote.
What is the Return on Investment of a Susteq solution?
We are developing an ROI tool to help water service providers estimate their return on investment. Some of our clients report a return on investment of 2 years.
Do you offer filtration systems?
No, Susteq does not work on the water supply or filtration system itself. We provide water service providers with high-quality water ATM technology.
How can I get the Susteq Solution?
We have an extended reseller network in sub-Saharan Africa. Please reach out to us so we can link you to the reseller that can support you best.
Installation and durability
How long will the Susteq water ATM work in the field?
Our solution is from Dutch design, focusing on high quality, robust products with a long lifespan. Our product is designed for a lifespan of up to 15 years provided certain parts are cleaned and replaced regularly.
What spare parts need replacement, and how often?
Based on our experience, the most frequently replaced parts are:
Battery: every ~ 5 years
Flow meter: every ~ 5 years (when regularly cleaned)
Ball valve: every ~ 80.000 cycles. So if 200 people use a tap daily, every 400 days
How about maintenance?
Maintenance is simple and spare parts can be ordered directly through our distributor network or via Susteq. Replacing spare parts does not need specialised skills. A plumber can replace the flow meter and ball valve, the battery can be replaced by anyone with access to the system.
Do you need other maintenance? Reach out to us to check if we have a distributor in your area who can help with more specialised services.
Do you develop features on request?
Yes, upon request we can together explore if new features can be developed. If they don’t align with our roadmap, we can provide a custom quote.
Where is the system manufactured?
The system is designed and assembled in the Netherlands.
What is the Return on Investment of a Susteq system?
We are developing an ROI tool to help water service providers estimate their return on investment. Some of our clients report a return on investment of 2 years.
Data and software
What is the monitoring dashboard?
The online dashboard gives you insight into your water points. It tracks the amount of water being dispensed, credit sales and revenue. The dashboard provides clear insights into the performance at each water point or shop. It also alerts you of any issues to prevent downtime and spillage.
Should the software of the system be updated?
Yes, we regularly improve the software that is used inside the dispensers. The software updates can be done manually or over-the-air (OTA) if the system has a SIM card. Software updates do not have additional costs.
Who sets the water tariff?
The system supports flexible pricing options set by the Water Service Provider. A pro-poor pricing option allows for free or lower-cost water tariffs for specific users. Pricing models can include flat rates (same price per liter), progressive or regressive pricing (block tariffs). Daily rationing can also be enabled to limit the number of liters per household.
Who owns the data?
Data ownership is with the client. With the monitoring dashboard it is possible to export data in multiple formats and use it in any way you need.
Is there a subscription model?
No subscription is required for the Susteq Water and Shop Hub. Dashboard subscriptions are available for 1, 5, 10, or 15 years. The system will work without a dashboard subscription, but the dashboard is useful for monitoring water and credit flow and to receive warning messages.