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 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.
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