Challenge
Local councils in New Zealand, facing national pressure to reduce water loss (or non-revenue water) significantly, required a sustained, expert-led program to drive down leakage levels across their combined networks continuously.
The challenge was maintaining operational focus while delivering high-volume, cost-effective active leakage control in dynamic urban and suburban environments.
Solution: New Zealand Water Loss Experts
Aqua Analytics implemented an ongoing, collaborative leak detection program for two mid-sized New Zealand councils. This solution provided specialised expertise, advanced acoustic equipment, and a proven methodology for consistent water loss reduction, acting as a crucial element in the councils’ long-term water conservation strategy.
- DMA Prioritisation: Utilising the councils' DMA data and minimum night flow (MNF) analysis, Aqua Analytics prioritised zones showing the highest rates of apparent and real losses.
- Advanced Acoustic Survey: Expert teams systematically surveyed the prioritised network areas using listening sticks, correlators and ground microphones, ensuring full coverage, including challenging non-metallic pipes prevalent in the region.
- Integrated Spatial Reporting: Leaks were reported using GIS-centric tools, providing the precise location, estimated size, and immediate digital notification to the councils' repair teams, significantly reducing leak run-times.
- Continuous Improvement: The program included regular performance reviews and data handovers, ensuring the councils' internal teams gained valuable asset intelligence and mentorship from Aqua Analytics' field experts.
Measurable Outcomes
- Sustained Leakage Reduction: The continuous effort ensured that leakage levels were not only brought down but kept down over multiple investigation cycles.
- Water Conservation: Significant volumes of water were saved annually, directly supporting the councils’ water conservation goals and enhancing supply security.
- Reduced Operational Costs: Lower leakage translated directly to reduced costs associated with pumping, treatment, and emergency repairs.
- Enhanced Asset Intelligence: The councils received detailed leak maps and data, improving their understanding of network weak points for future renewal planning.
Conclusion
The sustained Leakage Reduction program successfully addressed the chronic Non-Revenue Water (NRW) challenges faced by these two Councils.
By implementing rigorous Active Leakage Control (ALC) using integrated spatial reporting and expert acoustic surveys, leakage levels were lowered and maintained over multiple cycles. This continuous approach to water loss in New Zealand ensures significant annual water conservation, translating directly into reduced operational costs and enhanced supply security. Aqua Analytics provides the proven methodology and advanced asset intelligence required to move your council from reactive repairs to proactive, sustainable leakage management.
Are you looking at ways to reduce your water loss in your New Zealand Council? Contact our experts today to discuss your network’s unique challenges.
