Water Loss Assessment In Distribution Networks

Water utilities worldwide lose 128 billion cubic meters annually, causing annual monetary losses estimated at USD 40 billion. Most of these losses occur in developing countries (74%). This calls for rethinking the challenges facing water utilities in developing countries, foremost of which is the assessment of water losses in intermittent supply networks. Water loss assessment methods were originally developed in continuous supply systems, and their application in intermittently operated networks (in developing countries) is hindered by the widespread use of household water tanks and unauthorised consumption. This study provides an extensive review of existing methods and (software) tools for water loss assessment. In addition, several new methods were developed, which offer improved water loss assessment in intermittent supply. As the volume of water loss varies monthly and annually according to the amount of supplied water, this study proposes procedures to normalise the volume of water loss in order to enable water utilities to monitor and benchmark their performance on water loss management. The study also developed a novel method of estimating apparent losses using routine data of WWTP inflows, enabling future real-time monitoring of losses in networks. Different methods have also been suggested to estimate the unauthorised consumption in networks. This study found that minimum night flow analysis can still be applied in intermittent supply if an area of the network is supplied for several days. Furthermore, this study concluded that water meter performance is enhanced in intermittent supply conditions. However, continuous supply in the presence of float-valves significantly reduces the accuracy of water meters. Finally, this study provides guidance and highlights several knowledge gaps in order to improve the accuracy of water loss assessment in intermittent supply. Accurate assessment of water loss is a prerequisite for reliable leakage modelling and minimisation as well as planning for, and monitoring of water loss management in distribution networks.

This is a best practice manual for addressing water losses in water distribution networks worldwide. Systems and methodologies are presented for improving water loss and leakage management in a range of networks, from systems with a well-developed infrastructure to those in developing countries where the network may need to be upgraded. The key feature of the manual is a diagnostic approach to develop a water loss strategy - using the appropriate tools to find the right solutions - which can be applied to any network. The methods of assessing the scale and volume of water loss are outlined, together with the procedures for setting up leakage monitoring and detection systems. As well as real losses (leakage) procedures for addressing apparent losses, by introducing regulatory and customer metering policies are explained. Suggestions are made for demand management and water conservation programmes, to complement the water loss strategy. Recommendations are made for training workshops and operation and maintenance programmes to ensure skills transfer and sustainability. The manual is illustrated throughout with case studies. Losses in Water Distribution Networks will appeal to a wide range of practitioners responsible for designing and managing a water loss strategy. These include consultants, operations managers, engineers, technicians and operational staff. It will also be a valuable reference for senior managers and decision makers, who may require an overview of the principles and procedures for controlling losses. The book will also be suitable as a source document for courses in Water Engineering, Resource Management and Environmental Management.

Urban Water Distribution Networks: Assessing Systems Vulnerabilities and Risks provides a methodology for a system-wide assessment of water distribution networks (WDN) based on component analysis, network topology and, most importantly, the effects of a network's past performance on its seismic and/or non-seismic reliability. Water distribution networks engineers and system designers face multiple operational issues in delivering safe and clean potable water to their customers. Includes vulnerability assessment methods for water distribution pipes Discusses topological aspects and their effects on network vulnerability Explores analytical and numerical modeling methods for finding and analyzing systems vulnerabilities in water distribution networks Features real world case studies of networks under continuous and intermittent water supply operations

Water utilities worldwide lose 128 billion cubic meters annually, causing annual monetary losses estimated at USD 40 billion. Most of these losses occur in developing countries (74%). This calls for rethinking the challenges facing water utilities in developing countries, foremost of which is the assessment of water losses in intermittent supply networks. Water loss assessment methods were originally developed in continuous supply systems, and their application in intermittently operated networks (in developing countries) is hindered by the widespread use of household water tanks and unauthorised consumption. This study provides an extensive review of existing methods and (software) tools for water loss assessment. In addition, several new methods were developed, which offer improved water loss assessment in intermittent supply. As the volume of water loss varies monthly and annually according to the amount of supplied water, this study proposes procedures to normalise the volume of water loss in order to enable water utilities to monitor and benchmark their performance on water loss management. The study also developed a novel method of estimating apparent losses using routine data of WWTP inflows, enabling future real-time monitoring of losses in networks. Different methods have also been suggested to estimate the unauthorised consumption in networks. This study found that minimum night flow analysis can still be applied in intermittent supply if an area of the network is supplied for several days. Furthermore, this study concluded that water meter performance is enhanced in intermittent supply conditions. However, continuous supply in the presence of float-valves significantly reduces the accuracy of water meters. Finally, this study provides guidance and highlights several knowledge gaps in order to improve the accuracy of water loss assessment in intermittent supply. Accurate assessment of water loss is a prerequisite for reliable leakage modelling and minimisation as well as planning for, and monitoring of water loss management in distribution networks.

Water Management and Water Loss contains a selection of papers and articles written by various internationally recognised specialists in the field of water loss reduction. The articles have been drawn together from IWA conferences during the past 5 years and provide details of how water losses from Municipal distribution systems can be reduced. The book provides useful background information and reference materials to help explain the different approaches and interventions that are used to reduce water losses. Numerous real case studies are provided that highlight the processes and methodologies employed around the world to reduce water losses. Water Management and Water Loss covers many aspects of water loss control including, pressure management, leak detection and repair, Internal plumbing losses and retrofitting, community involvement and education/awareness, schools education and leak repair projects. Authors: Stuart Hamilton, Hydrotec Ltd.,Thorpe Underwood, Northants, UK and Ronnie McKenzie, Groenkloof, Pretoria, South Africa

Master the Latest Techniques to Quantify, Locate, Control, and Prevent Water and Revenue Loss in Water Utility Operations This comprehensive guide takes you step by step through every stage of the development of a water loss control program-from measuring and auditing water loss, tracking losses to their root cause, to developing a loss control program for future efficiency. Inside, you'll find precise descriptions of the most current methodologies and technologies, along with tables and figures presenting key information clearly and concisely. This second edition brings innovative approaches to water loss management, with information on new modeling methods, leak detection equipment, revenue protection programs, and best practices advocated by the American Water Works Association and the International Water Association. Includes: Updated U.S. and international standardized water audit methodologies Step-by-step guide to creating an effective water loss control program Guidance on data collection, validation, and component analysis of water supply and customer consumption volumes Detailed description of available intervention tools against real losses Detailed description of available intervention tools against apparent losses Innovations in automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) that will transform accountability in the water supply industry Integrated technologies to optimize water distribution system operations Detailed descriptions and case studies of successful water loss control and intervention programs Comprehensive glossary of terms Water Loss Control Manual covers: Various Types of Water and Revenue Losses • Traditional Control Methods • Progressive Approaches • Standard Water Audit Methodology • Meaningful Performance Indicators • Data Collection • Information Management • Validating the Water Audit Data • Field Equipment • Computer Modeling • •Strategies and Methods to Control Leakage and Optimize Revenue Recovery • Active Leakage Detection and Repair • Pressure Management • Distribution System Rehabilitation • Water Efficiency Programs • Hiring Contractors • Writing Bids • Case Studies • Calculations • Industry Papers

The IWA Performance Indicator System for water services is now recognized as a worldwide reference. Since it first appearance in 2000, the system has been widely quoted, adapted and used in a large number of projects both for internal performance assessment and metric benchmarking. Water professionals have benefited from a coherent and flexible system, with precise and detailed definitions that in many cases have become a standard. The system has proven to be adaptable and it has been used in very different contexts for diverse purposes. The Performance Indicators System can be used in any organization regardless of its size, nature (public, private, etc.) or degree of complexity and development. The third edition of Performance Indicators for Water Supply Services represents a further improvement of the original manual. It contains a reviewed and consolidated version of the indicators, resulting from the real needs of water companies worldwide that were expressed during the extensive field testing of the original system. The indicators now properly cover bulk distribution and the needs of developing countries, and all definitions have been thoroughly revised. The confidence grading scheme has been simplified and the procedure to assess the results- uncertainty has been significantly enhanced. In addition to the updated contents of the original edition, a large part of the manual is now devoted to the practical application of the system. Complete with simplified step-by-step implementation procedures and case studies, the manual provides guidelines on how to adapt the IWA concepts and indicators to specific contexts and objectives. This new edition of Performance Indicators for Water Supply Services is an invaluable reference source for all those concerned with managing the performance of the water supply industry, including those in the water utilities as well as regulators, policy-makers and financial agencies.

Exploring economical ways to recover water losses, this report presents improved methods for quantifying real water loss in distribution systems and provides water audit and loss-reduction strategies for water utilities. Includes water auditing software on the CD.