The work done by the ITA in the domain of characterisation of hydraulic elements is mainly divided into two lines: a first approach, mainly focussing on laboratory determination of the operating characteristics of valves and other items used in water distribution networks, or for other fluids, such as pipelines, dispensers, vent valves, drains, etc. A second line of work concentrates on the study of the metrological capacities of flow meters and meters in different operating conditions. Special attention is given to the way metrology is affected by distortions in the profile of speeds produced upstream of the instruments and the influence that may be exerted by the installation conditions in the quality of the measurement.

As main results of these lines of research we should stress the two Doctoral Theses defended in 1999 and 2005 on water meters and the many publications at congresses in the sphere of management of the meter system. In 2006, ITA researchers published through the International Water Association (IWA) the book entitled Integrated Water Meter Management. Later on the ITA published the Spanish edition of the book - Gestión Integral de Contadores de Agua.