10 steps to reduce water loss
Reduce water loss and non-revenue water in the distribution system with our 10-step guide
A 10 step guide to reduce water loss in the distribution system
How and why is water lost? Lost water, also called Non-revenue water (NRW), is water that has been processed, cleaned and then somehow disappears, or is unaccounted for, in the water distribution system before it reaches the customer. In some areas, NRW levels range from about 5% to as much as 80% and is a global problem, so what are the options available?
1. Carry out preventive activities and efficient leakage management
Aim for efficient leakage recovery. Leaking pipes and equipment caused by bursts or breaks is the main reason for water loss. Detecting leaks in a huge distribution network can be difficult, taking days, weeks and even years, years before a leak is even noticed, therefore proactive management is essential.
2. Create sections in the distribution network for easier leakage detection.
Build an easier and efficient insight into what is happening below ground by dividing the supply network into sections, known as district metering areas (DMAs). Using this sectioning technique, water loss is easier to calculate and detect therefore improving planning and maintenance priorities.
Trying to deal with water losses all at once, in the entire distribution network, can be daunting and reacting to situations only when a leak or water loss is visible can prove disruptive even to the best laid plans.
3. Immediate assessment, action, and high quality repair
When a network has DMA sections the operators are more effective and efficient in saving vital resources, reducing network disruption, and maintaining a continuous water supply for other customers.
Implementing a targeted leak detection program can result in reducing leakage by 40 – 50% overall.
4. Active network monitoring
Noise loggers, smart meters, ground-level surface boxes and other tools are available to report changes in the network. For example, acoustic noise loggers alert operators to the sound of leaking water enabling immediate action.
By using other tools and DMA practices the water pressure can be measured and managed in the different parts of the network, again to enable preventative or immediate action.
5. Effective pressure management
The higher the water pressure is in the network, the more water is lost through leakage and bursts – therefore pressure management is deemed the most important, most cost-effective, and therefore most beneficial leakage management activity. In addition, continued pressure fluctuations cause the pipes to contract and expand resulting in stress fractures and then pipe bursts.
Control valves are essential for pressure management because they maintain flows or levels in the supply network regardless of changes. Control valves not only provide the best conditions for the network equipment, they can also reduce water losses too.
Pressure management can also reduce energy consumption. Within the DMA, by adjusting pressure to the critical point at a strategic user, energy is not spent pumping water to a higher pressure. Also, during off-peak hours when, generally, there is lower pressure, energy consumption using for pumping can be reduced.
6. Think smart and use available data
Demand-driven and efficient network management can be achieved through the collection and use of valuable real-time data made available from installed products throughout the network.
For example, the addition of a controller on to a control valve enables data to be collected from several inputs and operate appropriately. Data inputs such as pressure, network losses, flow, open or close position, temperature, and maintenance work.
7. Applying a Non-revenue water (NWR) limit and action
Set the NRW limit when it is at an acceptable level and implement monitoring of the water balance for each DMA. Should the level become unacceptable, operators can quickly detect, assess, and address losses.
8. Dealing with water theft and illegal consumption
Water theft, unauthorised use and illegal connections are recognised problems globally. By using network DMA sections operators can identify illegal consumption and when and where it has taken place.
Additional and practical help is available to secure easy targets like hydrants whereby the hydrant transmits a notification when the cover is opened. Contact us for more information.
9. The right product for the right solution
The right product installed correctly is the key to an efficient, effective and reliable water and network system and keeps consumers happy. High quality products that meet the specification and provide the right solution far exceed the expense, issues and complications that can come with poor quality and quick fixes.
Our product and installation experts can identify the right product for the right solution.
10. Efficient water management training and education.
Increasing efficient water management can effectively reduce some of the current unnecessary leakage and water loss which is now critical globally. AVK believes in knowledge sharing as a crucial factor to ensure that the water sector is ready to meet the needs of tomorrow. At AVK we continue to focus on building partnerships for the innovation of better solutions and creating greater awareness of the many known and proven techniques.
At AVK in the UK, we host free of charge training and education sessions to suit our customers needs. Customers visit our sites to see how our product are developed and manufactured or we can go to them. Courses cater for new employees through to experienced engineers who would like a refresher – just ask.
