A device called FLUID launched on Kickstarter earlier this month. The device clamps around a home’s main water line and promises to help homeowners understand “exactly when, where and how much water” is used on a daily basis.

Once it’s on the water line, users plug it in, connect it to Wi-Fi, and download the FLUID app to access real-time reports on your iPhone or Android.

Using ultrasonic technology — essentially sending pulses from one ultrasonic transducer to another — the device is able to measure the rate of water flow.

FLUID also allows user to create what the company calls “Signatures” to identify usage by each appliance or fixture:

“Simply run the appliance or fixture you want to create a signature for and tell FLUID to learn the water consumption flow pattern associated with that particular appliance or fixture's run cycle. Once a signature has been recorded FLUID will identify every time that particular appliance or fixture is running and track its consumption.”

The end result is usage data that allows homeowners to see how much water they’re using for showers, laundry, flushes, dishwashing, lawn irrigation, etc.

More details here.