Trunk main leak detection is critical in managing large-diameter water pipelines. Due to their size and strategic importance, these pipelines require specialised techniques for effective leak detection.
Aqua Analytics offers three advanced solutions tailored for trunk main leak detection. Each uses innovative technology to ensure precision and efficiency.
This blog post will explore each of these solutions, highlighting their unique approaches and benefits.
The Trunk Main Correlator, utilising the advanced Gutermann TM2 technology, is designed for non-intrusive leak detection on large assets. This solution leverages surface-mounted sensors to detect leaks without requiring internal access to the pipeline.
The Gutermann TM2 employs highly sensitive surface-mounted sensors strategically placed along the trunk main. These sensors detect the acoustic signals generated by leaks, and the correlator processes this data to pinpoint the leak location with high accuracy. The device can be deployed with accelerometers or hydrophones.
The Free Swimming Leak Detection method involves an instrumented sphere inserted into a live trunk main without disrupting normal operations. This neutrally buoyant sphere travels with the water flow, continuously collecting data in real-time while being tracked above ground using IoT devices at pre-determined locations.
The instrumented sphere is introduced into the pipeline through a specialised apparatus that handles high-pressure water network environments. As the device moves with the water flow, the sphere collects acoustic data, which is saved onboard the device. Simultaneously, the device emits a signal, which is then received at tracking points along the length of the pipeline to assist with localisation and the pinpointing of leaks. This method can cover over 50km in a single deployment, making it ideal for remote trunk mains in rural environments.
The Tethered Leak Detection system utilises a sensitive hydrophone attached to a cable and parachute to navigate the live pipeline without any interruption to customers. This method provides live 1098P HD CCTV and acoustic data, with an operator monitoring progress at the insertion location and another above-ground tracking the device in real time for instant marking of leaks or anomalies.
The device is inserted into the live pipeline, with the parachute aiding its movement through the water flow. Operators stationed in a truck control the cable deployment and monitor the live CCTV and acoustic feed, while a second operator tracks the device’s progress above ground using a sonde. The device has up to 1km of cable and can go around bends.
Aqua Analytics stands out in water loss management and our approach to trunk main leak detection due to our comprehensive range of trunk main technologies and expert local teams. Our solutions are designed for quick mobilisation and cost-effective deployment, ensuring that large-diameter leak detection is efficient and accurate.
Here’s why Aqua Analytics is the preferred choice:
Trunk main leak detection is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of large-diameter water pipelines. Aqua Analytics’ advanced solutions, including the Trunk Main Correlator, Free Swimming Leak Detection Device, and Tethered Leak Detection, provide accurate, efficient, and cost-effective leak detection services.
Our range of leak detection technologies and trained local teams ensure we can quickly and effectively address any leak detection needs, safeguarding your water infrastructure and ensuring reliable service.
Contact Aqua Analytics today for more information on our trunk main leak detection services or to schedule a consultation. With our cutting-edge technology and expert solutions, we can help you protect your valuable water assets.
Have you ever wondered how important water management is for our daily lives and the environment? The precision in managing and distributing water across cities hinges significantly on properly calibrating hydraulic models. This intricate process ensures that every drop of water reaches its destination efficiently and sustainably. In this blog, we’ll explore why understanding and implementing hydraulic model calibration in water networks is indispensable.
Hydraulic model calibration fine-tunes the predictive capabilities of water distribution systems. This calibration ensures that the models accurately reflect real-world conditions, thus improving the reliability of the water distribution analyses.
Calibrating models increases the accuracy of predicting flow rates and pressure points throughout the network.
Accurate models help in making informed decisions regarding water distribution and management.
Optimising the performance of water distribution systems through hydraulic model calibration enhances operational efficiency and ensures reliability across the network. Regular calibration helps identify and rectify discrepancies between model predictions and actual system behaviours, thereby optimising the functionality of the entire network.
This proactive approach allows utilities to manage pressures. It flows more effectively, reduces instances of pipe bursts or overflows and ensures that water reaches all end-users with consistent quality and quantity.
Moreover, a well-calibrated hydraulic model can significantly aid in the planning and implementing system expansions or upgrades, making it a critical practice for maintaining a robust and efficient water distribution infrastructure.
Efficient hydraulic models are crucial for detecting leaks and potential failures in the network. This not only saves water but also reduces costs associated with water loss. Understanding system performance is critical for the design and implementation of District Metered Areas (DMAs).
Sustainability in water management is crucial for resource conservation and environmental protection. Calibrated hydraulic models play a significant role in achieving these goals.
Enhancing emergency response readiness is a critical aspect of managing water distribution systems, and hydraulic model calibration plays a pivotal role in this process.
With calibrated hydraulic models, water utilities and councils are equipped to quickly and accurately assess and respond to various emergencies, such as pipe failures, contamination events or sudden changes in demand due to environmental factors.
These models provide a reliable framework to simulate and predict different scenarios, ensuring the water supply remains secure and manageable under adverse conditions. This readiness protects the public and the environment and maintains the integrity and resilience of the water infrastructure.
The future of water network infrastructure lies in the ability to predict and preempt issues before they escalate. Here’s how hydraulic model calibration aids in this process:
Calibrating hydraulic models of water networks is a strategic imperative that enhances system accuracy, efficiency and sustainability while ensuring cost-effectiveness and emergency preparedness.
With the high stakes, prioritising hydraulic model calibration in your water management strategy is essential.
At Aqua Analytics, we focus on providing cutting-edge smart water solutions that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of water management systems. Our approach to hydraulic model calibration is designed to improve your water networks’ accuracy and efficiency while contributing to more cost-effective environmental practices. We own and operate a large fleet of IoT flow and pressure loggers to assist with turn-key model calibration projects across Australia and New Zealand.
Explore our services to see how they align with your water management objectives. Contact us today for more details on how we can support your infrastructure needs.
Water is a resource that we cannot afford to waste. With increasing global urbanisation and the pressing need for sustainable resource management, efficiently managing water distribution systems has never been more critical.
Enter ISO 24528, a standard that sets the framework for reducing non-revenue water (NRW) and improving water utility management worldwide.
This blog post delves into the essence of ISO 24528, exploring its significance, applications, and benefits for water utilities striving for sustainability and efficiency.
ISO 24528 is an international standard that provides guidelines for water utilities to manage and reduce non-revenue water. Non-revenue water refers to the water that has been produced and is “lost” before it reaches the customer for various reasons, including leaks, theft, or inaccurate metering.
By reducing NRW, ISO 24528 aims to enhance the operational efficiency of water utilities and ensure a sustainable and economically viable water supply system.
Managing non-revenue water is paramount for several reasons.
ISO 24528 provides a comprehensive framework for water utilities to tackle NRW. The standard outlines best practices for assessing, monitoring, and controlling water losses within a water distribution system.
It introduces methodologies for calculating economic levels of leakage and offers guidelines for implementing active leakage control strategies.
By adhering to ISO 24528, utilities can make informed decisions regarding investments in leakage detection, pressure management, and infrastructure improvements, leading to reduced water losses and enhanced operational efficiency.
The benefits of implementing ISO 24528 extend beyond water conservation. Utilities that adopt the standard can expect to see:
Numerous utilities worldwide have successfully implemented ISO 24528, significantly improving their NRW management. For instance, a Southeast European utility adopted the standard’s guidelines, focusing on pressure management and active leakage control. Within two years, the utility reported a 30% reduction in NRW, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved service reliability. Success stories like this underscore the standard’s applicability and effectiveness in diverse contexts.
ISO 24528 is critical in guiding water utilities towards more sustainable and efficient operations. By focusing on reducing non-revenue water, utilities not only conserve valuable water resources but also enhance their financial viability and service quality.
As the global community continues to grapple with water scarcity and environmental sustainability challenges, adopting ISO 24528 offers a clear pathway for water utilities to contribute positively to this global effort.
Water utilities and stakeholders interested in ISO 24528 are encouraged to investigate the standard, explore its methodologies, and consider its implementation as a step towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
As water utilities in Australia and New Zealand embark on or seek to enhance their water loss reduction projects, the expertise and support of experienced partners become invaluable.
This is where Aqua Analytics steps in.
Specialising in advanced water loss management solutions, Aqua Analytics is dedicated to assisting utilities in their journey towards minimising non-revenue water and achieving sustainability goals.
Our understanding of the ISO 24528 standard and its practical applications positions us as a pivotal ally for utilities aiming for excellence in water loss management. Contact us for more information or to commence a discovery consultation.
In a world where water scarcity is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, the challenge of managing water resources has become more important than ever. Communities across the globe grapple with the complexities of water loss, facing the dual challenge of conserving a vital resource while meeting the needs of growing populations. In this blog, we’ll comprehensively explore New Zealand’s approach to mitigating water loss, focusing on innovative solutions and guidelines designed for government and local councils, aiming to safeguard this precious resource for future generations.
Water loss in New Zealand is a multifaceted issue, influenced by ageing infrastructure, natural challenges and the increasing demands of a growing population. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors at play.
A significant portion of water loss can be attributed to leaks and breaks in ageing water supply systems. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to mitigate these losses.
Geographical and climatic factors also contribute to water loss, with droughts and natural wear on infrastructure exacerbating the issue.
As populations grow, so does the demand for water, putting additional pressure on existing water supply systems and highlighting the need for efficient water loss management strategies.
The adoption of advanced leak detection technologies has marked a significant turning point in the world of water conservation. Let’s explore how each of these technologies contributes to the broader goal of water conservation:
To protect New Zealand’s water resources, adhering to effective water loss management guidelines is important. These guidelines provide a strategic framework for assessing and implementing measures to ensure our water supply’s sustainability and efficiency.
Establish benchmarks for acceptable non-revenue water (NRW) levels to guide reduction targets. This often involves calculating non-revenue water (NRW), including both apparent and real losses.
Implementing systematic programs like acoustic sensors for detecting and repairing leaks can drastically reduce water loss, saving valuable resources and funds.
Upgrading and maintaining water supply infrastructure to prevent leaks and reduce water loss. This includes replacing ageing pipes, installing advanced metering infrastructure and using durable materials resistant to corrosion and breakage.
Reducing water pressure within the distribution system to minimise leak rates and burst frequency.
Educating the community about water conservation and leak reporting can foster a culture of water stewardship, aiding in water loss management efforts.
Accurately measuring non-revenue water (NRW) is important for sustainable water management. Here’s a closer look at the significance of NRW measurement:
Addressing water loss involves a comprehensive approach that includes advanced technologies, community engagement and strategic planning. At Aqua Analytics, we leverage cutting-edge technology to monitor water assets in real time, reduce water loss and enhance operational efficiency.
Our NRW consulting services are designed to navigate the complexities of water guidelines, ensuring utilities of all sizes can achieve better customer outcomes and meet water loss guidelines in New Zealand effectively. Please contact us today to find out how we can help you manage your pipeline network more effectively.
Australia’s major telecommunications providers are shutting down their 3G networks throughout 2024. This has critical implications for water utilities and councils reliant on 3G-connected smart devices.
If your water infrastructure includes pressure loggers, PRV controllers, acoustic loggers, meter pulse loggers, or other remote monitoring systems, urgent action is needed. Aqua Analytics partners with water utilities and councils to seamlessly transition your connected water assets to the latest cellular protocols (Cat-M1, NB-IoT, and 5G).
The following legacy devices often rely on 3G and may be rendered obsolete if not upgraded:
We understand the water industry’s unique challenges. Our process is designed for minimal disruption:
Proactive action is crucial. Contact Aqua Analytics today for a free infrastructure assessment. We’ll help you navigate the 3G sunset and ensure your water utility stays ahead of the curve.
Airports are intricate hubs of activity, relying on a vast infrastructure network to facilitate smooth operations. Among the critical components of this infrastructure that are often forgotten about are buried water pipelines. These pipelines transport water for various purposes, such as drinking, fire suppression, irrigation, and industrial processes. Efficient management of these pipelines is paramount to ensuring uninterrupted water supply, reducing water loss, and achieving sustainability goals.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the strategies and technologies that can help airports effectively manage their buried water pipelines.
Water plays a pivotal role in airports, and here’s why:
Buried water pipelines present specific challenges in an airport environment:
Properly managing buried water pipelines is crucial for airports to ensure reliable water supply while minimising costs and environmental impact. Here are some key strategies:
1. Conducting a Comprehensive Water Audit
A water audit is the first step towards efficient water management. It involves a thorough assessment of:
2. Implementing Smart Infrastructure Software
Smart water network software empowers airports with real-time awareness of their water networks. This software can:
3. Deployment of Acoustic Loggers
Acoustic loggers are valuable for proactive real-time leak detection, particularly during off-peak hours.
4. Undertaking Pipeline Condition Assessments
Regular pipeline condition assessments provide critical information about buried pipelines’ structural integrity and remaining lifespan.
Besides the strategies above, here are some additional practices airports can adopt:
Managing buried water pipelines within airport precincts requires a strategic and proactive approach. By incorporating the strategies outlined in this blog post – water audits, smart water infrastructure, leak detection technologies, condition assessments, and other best practices – airports can safeguard their water resources, improve operational efficiency, and embrace sustainability.
Contact us today for a free consultation on how Aqua Analytics can help you manage your buried assets throughout your airport precinct.
Aqua Analytics, a company dedicated to helping water utilities reduce non-revenue water and manage leakage, is celebrating a successful year with a unique twist: Leak Lager.
This limited edition brew, crafted using water identified as leakage by Aqua’s skilled teams, serves as a toast to the impressive 11 billion litres saved and 3,500 leaks plugged by Aqua in 2023 across Australia and New Zealand.
Beyond being a celebratory drink, Leak Lager is a conversation starter.
Each can sent to clients and suppliers is a tangible reminder of the power of sustainability, innovation, and unconventional thinking. It highlights the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration and commitment to solving critical water challenges.
“Leak Lager is more than just a beer,” says Chris Medcalf, Operations Manager at Aqua Analytics. “It is a toast to our achievements, but also a challenge to ourselves and the industry to push even further and ensure a sustainable water future for all.”
Aqua Analytics’ mission to reduce water network leakage across Australia and New Zealand goes beyond Leak Lager.
The company utilises best-in-class methodologies and expertise to help water utilities pinpoint and fix leaks, saving millions of litres of water each year. This not only benefits the environment but also reduces utilities’ costs and assists in the drive towards net zero carbon emissions.
In today’s environment, where sustainability and resource management take centre stage, two key concepts in the municipal water sector are gaining significant attention: the Economic Level of Leakage (ELL) and the Sustainable Economic Level of Leakage (SELL). Here’s a breakdown of each.
The Economic Level of Leakage represents the optimum point where the cost of controlling water leakage equals the value of the water saved. It’s a dynamic equilibrium, acknowledging that while zero leakage is ideal, the financial and resource costs are often prohibitive. Therefore, the ELL offers a pragmatic approach, aiming to minimise water loss cost-effectively without overspending on leakage control measures.
The SELL takes the ELL concept further by factoring in the broader social and environmental costs and benefits of leakage reduction. This includes elements such as:
The SELL aims to find a balance where the overall benefits of water reduction – economic, social, and environmental – outweigh its costs.
The calculation of ELL and SELL involves several factors, including the cost of water production, leakage detection and repair, the social and environmental costs of leakage, and the water utility’s service level commitments. Advanced analytical models and tools, often incorporating real-time data and predictive analytics, are used to determine the most cost-effective point of leakage reduction.
Achieving the Economic Level of Leakage is not without its challenges. Utilities must navigate the complexities of accurately estimating the costs and benefits of leakage reduction, adapting to changing environmental and regulatory landscapes, and managing public expectations, particularly during water restrictions or drought periods. Moreover, the investment required for leak detection and repair of infrastructure defects can be significant, necessitating a long-term perspective on return on investment.
The Economic Level of Leakage (ELL) and the Sustainable Economic Level of Leakage (SELL) represent balanced approaches to managing water losses. The SELL, in particular, aligns economic efficiency with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. For water utilities and municipalities, understanding and striving towards these targets is a regulatory and moral imperative in the face of global water scarcity challenges and the drive towards net zero carbon emissions. As technology advances and the value of water continues to rise, the strategies to achieve the ELL will evolve, requiring ongoing commitment and innovation from all stakeholders in the water sector.
Companies like Aqua Analytics are at the forefront of ensuring that leakage practices are sustainable, cost-effective, and aligned with the communities’ needs by focusing on the Economic Level of Leakage. This holistic approach to water loss management underscores the importance of strategic investment in technologies, community engagement, and regulatory partnerships in safeguarding our most precious resource for future generations through Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
The NSW Government’s $4.4 million Active Leak Detection Project is marching into 15 more councils for the next stage of work over the summer months to deliver water savings in regional communities using state-of-the-art technology.
With many parts of the state already experiencing drought conditions, reducing water loss is critical. $1 million has been injected into the project that has already surveyed more than 12,300kms of mains. This has saved 5.3 billion litres of water or the equivalent of 2,120 Olympic-sized swimming pools so far across 54 local government areas.
Specialist teams use cutting-edge equipment, including leak noise loggers, electronic listening sticks, ground microphones, and leak noise correlators to detect and pinpoint leaks before reporting them to the local council for repair. This ensures a more robust and efficient water network.
Eurobodalla Shire, Wingecarribee Shire, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Walgett Shire, Narrabri Shire, Berwarrina Shire, Warren Shire, Muswellbrook Shire, Tweed Shire, Cowra Shire, MidCoast, Ballina Shire, Central Darling Shire, Murray River and Armidale Regional Councils are having their pipes and valves inspected between now and March 2024.
The additional funding is part of the NSW Government’s $12.5 million Regional Leakage Reduction Program, which last year provided $1.3 million worth of grants to 13 local water utilities to assist them with staff training, pressure management, leakage control, and metering.
Quotes attributed to Acting Minister for Water, Steve Whan:
“The Minns Labor government has located more than 2500 water leaks in network infrastructure across the state, and 700 leaks in the supply for individual customers’ properties which is a strong reminder that there is no room for complacency when it comes to looking after our more precious natural resource.
“With another drought on the horizon, we can’t be a one trick pony for water management and our innovative program is designed to take a holistic approach to boosting water efficiency across our regions.
“Our expert leak detection teams play a key role in ensuring we’re counting every drop and making sure our communities are ready for when the next dry spell occurs.”
For more information, visit: Regional Leakage Reduction Program
Water is the world’s most precious resource and its management is crucial for sustainability and efficiency. Imagine a world where every drop of water is accounted for, where water utilities operate with such precision that non-revenue water is a thing of the past. This is not a distant dream but a tangible reality made possible through the innovative use of technology in water loss management. In this blog post, we will explore how modern solutions, such as IoT and smart water management systems, are revolutionising the way we understand and manage water loss.
The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has marked a significant milestone for water utilities, enabling the monitoring of water assets with unprecedented immediacy and precision. This technological leap forward not only streamlines operational workflows but also elevates the level of service provided to customers.
IoT facilitates a dynamic system where data-driven decisions become the norm, allowing for swift responses to the subtlest changes in the network. This connectivity ensures that utilities stay ahead of potential issues, fostering a culture of proactive maintenance and management that is both efficient and reliable.
One of the significant advancements in water management is the reduced cost of smart device hardware and big data analytics. This cost-effectiveness has made advanced water management solutions accessible to utilities of all sizes. Here’s how:
Utilising sophisticated leak detection technologies, water loss management companies empower utilities with preventative maintenance strategies. This not only minimises repair costs but also significantly boosts customer satisfaction by preventing major bursts and service interruptions.
By proactively identifying and addressing potential leaks, utilities can maintain uninterrupted service and save on costly emergency repairs. Additionally, these technologies enhance the overall reliability and resilience of water distribution systems, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable operation.
Effective water loss management isn’t just about technology; it also involves engaging consumers and promoting water conservation efforts. Companies facilitate this by:
Water systems vary greatly, from rural networks to metropolitan infrastructures, each presenting its unique challenges. Water loss management companies recognise this diversity and offer customised solutions that include:
Rural Networks
Metropolitan Infrastructures
At Aqua Analytics, we stand ready to guide you through the complexities of modern water loss management with our expertise and innovative solutions. Our commitment is to provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective control and reduction of non-revenue water. We offer customised solutions that resonate with the unique challenges of your water utility. Together, we can create a future where water loss is significantly reduced and every drop is valued. Contact us today!
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