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.
In the contemporary landscape of water management, addressing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is imperative for ensuring sustainable and efficient service delivery.
NRW represents the water that has been produced but is lost before it reaches the consumer. Such losses can either be physical, through leakage, or apparent, due to theft or meter inaccuracies.
In Australia, where water is a precious resource, tackling NRW is paramount. This article sheds light on Non-Revenue Water’s intricacies in Australia, offering insight into effective water loss management and leakage reduction strategies.
Non-Revenue Water encompasses three core components:
Elevated levels of Non-Revenue Water can significantly impact a water utility’s financial health and service delivery. It denotes inefficiencies leading to resource wastage, heightened energy consumption (and thus, increased carbon emissions), and increased operational costs.
Moreover, high NRW levels intensify water scarcity, especially in drought-prone regions like Australia.
Active Leakage Control:
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI):
Pressure Management:
Public Awareness and Engagement:
Policy and Regulatory Framework:
Asset Management and Maintenance:
Data Analytics:
Australia’s water utilities have been at the forefront in embracing innovative water loss management and leakage reduction techniques (for instance, the NSW Government has embarked on a Regional Leakage Reduction Project). Significant strides have been made in reducing water network leakage through concerted efforts involving public engagement, technology adoption, and policy formulation. For instance, deploying acoustic sensors and smart water metering systems has facilitated early detection and rectification of leaks, substantially reducing NRW levels.
Addressing Non-Revenue Water is a multifaceted challenge requiring a holistic and technologically-driven approach. By adopting strategic measures and fostering a culture of continuous monitoring and improvement, it is possible to reduce NRW levels significantly.
This ensures the financial viability of water utilities and contributes towards a sustainable and water-secure future. Through collective effort and robust water loss management strategies, Australia can continue leading the way in tackling Non-Revenue Water challenges, setting a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues.
The concept of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is fast becoming a central concern for water utility management worldwide. Understanding and reducing NRW has benefits, from financial sustainability to compliance with emerging regulatory standards. In this blog, we will unpack various aspects surrounding NRW, its impact on utility management and why it’s more important than ever to focus on this aspect.
One of the most immediate and apparent impacts of NRW is on the financial health of a water utility company. NRW consists of water that is lost before it reaches the customer, mainly due to leaks, theft or meter inaccuracies. Reducing these losses has a direct effect on cost-saving. Funds previously allocated to address these issues can be redirected to other vital areas, leading to more efficient utility management.
Technological advances offer potent tools for identifying and reducing NRW, enhancing the efficiency of utility management. The use of technologies like smart meters and SCADA systems not only pinpoint the issues but also help in quick resolution, making the utility operations more streamlined.
Regulatory standards concerning NRW are becoming more stringent. Failing to meet these standards can result in fines and penalties, adding an additional financial burden on utilities. Beyond that, there’s a push towards responsible water management as a part of broader sustainability goals. Meeting these standards is now an integral aspect of effective utility management.
Regular maintenance, including the use of corrosion-resistant materials, pressure management systems and immediate response to leaks, plays a pivotal role in mitigating water loss. Scheduled pipeline inspection and assessment technologies, such as wave generation, acoustic propogation and a range of sensors can be a part of proactive maintenance protocols.
Regular calibrations and timely replacements of water meters are equally important. Faulty water meters can lead to incorrect billing and unaccounted water loss.
Effective asset management, from pipe maintenance to the metering infrastructure, is a cornerstone in reducing NRW and, thus, in efficient utility management.
Ignoring NRW not only has financial implications but also significant environmental costs. Leaks and losses mean more water needs to be sourced and treated, increasing the carbon footprint. Reducing NRW thereby contributes to both environmental sustainability and efficient utility management by reducing energy use in pumping lost water throughout complex water systems.
Summary: This case study exemplifies how the integration of smart metering technology can not only drastically reduce NRW but also make utility management more efficient and environmentally responsible.
Summary: Investing in automated leak detection and smart water sensors has proven transformative, achieving remarkable NRW reduction while enhancing overall utility management.
Reducing NRW serves as a forward-looking strategy for water utilities. As resources become increasingly scarce, having a lower NRW rate equips a utility to face future challenges more robustly, including potential water shortages. This is even more relevant as we enter a period of sustained climate change where periods of drought are anticipated.
Here at Aqua Analytics, we’re well-versed in the challenges and opportunities that come with managing non-revenue water. Our comprehensive approach is tailored to address your specific needs, be it implementing state-of-the-art technological solutions, asset management strategies or adhering to regulatory standards. Contact us today to begin discussing how we can assist with a transformative journey.
Water utilities face the ongoing challenge of reducing water losses and effectively managing non-revenue water (NRW) to optimise resource usage. A crucial step in addressing this challenge is consolidating disparate datasets to gain a comprehensive view of the water network. This blog post will explore the benefits of consolidating data for NRW management and how water utilities can leverage this approach for more efficient and sustainable operations.
Water utilities often rely on multiple data sources to manage their water networks, including consumption data, billing records, asset management systems, and geographic information systems (GIS). However, these datasets may be stored in different formats or managed by separate departments, making it challenging to analyse and draw meaningful insights from the data.
By consolidating disparate datasets, water utilities can view their water network through the lens of non-revenue water, offering several advantages:
Enhanced data analysis: Consolidated data enables more accurate and comprehensive analysis, helping utilities identify areas of water loss, detect leaks, and optimise resource usage.
Improved decision-making: With a holistic view of the water network, utilities can make better-informed decisions, prioritise investments, and allocate resources more effectively (such as field crew assignment for active leakage control surveys).
Increased operational efficiency: Consolidated data can streamline workflows and enhance department communication, leading to more efficient operations and reduced costs.
Accurate performance tracking: By measuring and monitoring NRW consistently across the network, utilities can track performance, set targets, and benchmark against industry standards.
Better customer service: Consolidated data can help utilities better understand customer usage patterns and address issues proactively, improving customer satisfaction and engagement.
To consolidate data for NRW management, water utilities can adopt the following strategies:
Implement data integration tools: Utilise data integration platforms to combine and harmonise data from disparate sources, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Establish data governance policies: Develop and enforce data governance policies to ensure data quality, security, and compliance across the organisation.
Foster interdepartmental collaboration: Encourage department collaboration, facilitating knowledge sharing and breaking down data silos to reduce non-revenue water.
Invest in advanced analytics and visualization tools: Leverage them to process and present consolidated data, making it easier for decision-makers to understand and act upon.
Engage experts in data consolidation and NRW management: Partner with experienced consultants, like Aqua Analytics, to guide your organisation through the process of data consolidation and provide software for effective NRW management.
Aqua Analytics specialises in water loss reduction, leakage management, acoustic leak detection surveys, and non-revenue water consulting. Our team of experts can help you consolidate your disparate datasets and develop effective strategies for non-revenue water management. Contact us today to learn how we can help your utility achieve its water management goals with Non-Revenue Water Software.
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is a pressing issue that affects water utilities across the globe, including Australia and New Zealand. With increasing water scarcity and a growing demand for efficient water loss management, engineers and utilities must understand the importance of NRW reduction. This blog post aims to educate engineers in Australia and New Zealand on Non-Revenue Water, how to calculate it using the International Water Association (IWA) Water Balance, and the benefits of reducing NRW for utilities.
Non-Revenue Water is the difference between the total volume of water produced by a utility and the amount billed to customers. NRW consists of three main components:
The IWA Water Balance is a standardised methodology that helps utilities to quantify and and analyse NRW. The balance comprises the following components:
Reducing NRW offers numerous benefits for utilities in Australia and New Zealand, including:
Engineers and utilities in Australia and New Zealand can embark on reducing NRW by:
Reducing Non-Revenue Water is a vital step in ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of water utilities in Australia and New Zealand. By understanding the concept of NRW, calculating it using the IWA Water Balance methodology, and implementing targeted reduction strategies, engineers can contribute significantly to water resource management, cost savings, infrastructure longevity, and environmental stewardship in our region.
As water scarcity and climate change continue to present challenges, it’s more important than ever for engineers to take proactive steps in addressing Non-Revenue Water and securing a sustainable water future for our communities. When coupled with active leak detection, smart water software and other initiatives, the value created is considerable and serious inroads into leakage reduction can be achieved.
When it comes to finding leaks in water supply networks, a range of acoustic leak detection technology is required to achieve successful results.
Organisations often overlook the need to couple this technology with skilled field teams. Professional field technicians can correctly use the technology and apply it to the situation to succeed. Success is finding all leaks within a specific part of the supply network (such as DMA) and providing diggable locations with pinpoint accuracy. Achieving both these steps not only leads to a reduction in non-revenue water in the specific area, but it also means lower repair costs from minimised excavation and repair efforts.
This blog post highlights the best leak detection technology and methodologies for finding leaks in Australia and New Zealand. With over 20 years of experience finding leaks in municipal water networks, Aqua Analytics is well-positioned to help water utilities reduce their leakage and operate more efficient systems.
The topics covered in this post are:
These devices allow skilled operators to identify the distinctive acoustic signal of water escaping a pipe under pressure. Acoustic listening sticks are a leak detection technology commonly used during active leak detection survey work or when undertaking site assessments to determine the presence of, or potential location of, a leak. And while in some countries overseas, they persevere with manual listening sticks to find leaks, our experience demonstrates the need to utilise electronically amplified listening sticks for the best results.
Most leak detection equipment providers manufacture these devices, including Sewerin, HWM, Fuji-Tecom and Gutermann. The cost of these devices can vary from AUD 1500-3500 per device, and the quality ranges considerably.
Acoustic noise loggers have been in the leakage toolbox for over two decades. Initially, loggers were supposed to replace skilled technicians, and the early iterations would provide a binary output, usually obtained from drive-by radio collection. The intent was to have these more permanently deployed. However, water authorities or leak detection contractors would often revert to a “lift and shift” model that saw the devices move as frequently as daily (once they had collected data from the previous night).
More recently, and coinciding with the evolution of mobile communication technology, these devices have become correlating and are sending data via traditional cellphone network infrastructure. Some of the latest versions use NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), a standards-based low power wide area (LPWA) technology developed to enable a wide range of new IoT devices and services. NB-IoT significantly improves the power consumption of devices, system capacity and spectrum efficiency. In the context of water supply networks, NB-IoT has helped with communication below ground into chambers with cast-iron lids or similar.
These devices send data daily, and their associated smart water software platforms enable multi-point correlation, and leak locations are immediately provided for repair teams to action. It is important to remember that an accurate GIS is always essential to ensure asset location and distances are correctly input into correlation calculations.
Gutermann is a leader in correlating noise loggers and was an early adopter of the NB-IoT standard. Ovarro also has correlating loggers, including the option of using hydrophones, which assist with monitoring and detection of leaks larger diameter trunk mains. These devices are typically AUD 1500 each for accelerometers and up to AUD 10,000 for devices with hydrophones.
Skilled water network technicians utilise leak noses correlators to pinpoint leaks with confidence. Leak noise correlators get deployed by leakage technicians when they are unsure of the exact leakage location, for instance, when a similar noise on two appurtenances 150 meters apart.
Accelerometer sensors are deployed on the pipe on either side of the suspected leak location, and the pipeline diameter and material are entered into the correlator computer. Mathematical algorithms determine the exact location of specific noise profiles on the pipe. They corr elate the noises that reach both sensors and measure the time delay to travel along the pipeline from the leak location to each sensor.
In 1979, Palmer Environmental developed their first leak noise correlator collaborating with the Water Research Council. This device was enclosed in an orange metal case and was heavy and complicated. It was so large that it would often fill the entire storage space in a van and get refined every few years.
Despite manufacturer assurances, capabilities on PVC and PE pipelines continue to be sporadic at best. Essentially, the devices rely on the ability to ‘hear’ the leak at the two sensor locations to provide an accurate output on leakage location. Leak noise correlators cost approximately AUD 15,000 to 25,000 and regularly firmware upgrades are available from manufacturers.
Often viewed as the favourite tool in the “leak detection toolbox”, a ground microphone is usually the final leak detection technology an operator uses before reporting a leak for repair (or discounted as no-leak). The device allows a custom ‘foot’ to be used above a pipeline, on concrete or bitumen surfaces, to listen to the sound generated. The sound of a leak on a pipeline underground will reverberate up through the soil and ground and be detectable above the pipeline.
A ground microphone may get used where water is seen visibly escaping through a road surface and pinpointing is required, or following a leak noise correlation to confirm (or otherwise) the leak location.
The devices are available from a range of leak detection equipment manufacturers and cost AUD 4,000 to 8,000 depending on required features and complexity.
Large diameter trunk mains experience acoustic propagation issues similar to PVC and PE reticulation mains. The sound generated by leaks doesn’t travel any significant distance to allow detection of all leaks on large diameter pipes using surface-mounted or water column monitoring devices. To find all leaks on big pipes, we need to change the leak detection methodology and take the sensor to the leak sound. The leak detection technologies that have become trusted in the last decade for detecting leaks on trunk mains often require a free-swimming device to be inserted into the pipeline.
Free-swimming devices collect an acoustic profile throughout the pipeline and can determine the location of all leaks (including those down to 0.1 litres per minute). The acoustic dataset and tracking data are combined to pinpoint leak locations accurately. Pure Technologies has offered free-swimming devices for over ten years, and more recently, they have also become available from Aganova. The use of these devices requires specialised trained crews, and the costs for trunk main leak detection are high compared to surface-based acoustic solutions. That said, due to the high level of water loss or consequence of failure on these large diameter mains, the cost is often easily justified by water authorities.
An active leak detection survey is a snapshot of leakage in a specific DMA, or sometimes whole towns, at one particular point in time. This task is an essential aspect of water loss management projects. Skilled teams of water network technicians move through the area systematically and listen for leaks, noting locations of interest before pinpointing and reporting for repair. When carrying out an active leak detection survey, technicians will leverage the entire leak detection technology toolbox.
At Aqua Analytics, we always work in two-person teams, primarily for health and safety reasons, but secondly for improved quality outcomes. This methodology allows us to deploy a skilled technician to either side of the water main to listen on all available hydrants, valves and property service connections along the entire water supply.
There is a range of psychological reasons why two-person teams outperform 2X one-person teams, and clients who engage this technique see outsized performance outcomes. Clients who engage low-cost service providers for active leak detection frequently find that leakage in specific areas of the network doesn’t reduce. Several contributing factors lead to this, including poor equipment quality, lack of competent training and quality management issues such as “ghost surveys” (marking off a pipeline as complete, when zero sounding occurred).
There are four pillars in leakage management for water distribution networks are pressure management, speed and quality of repairs, active leakage control, and asset management. To address the ‘speed and quality of repairs’, we see it as essential to report leaks in real-time and incorporate leak location data into enterprise asset management systems of water utilities. Faster reporting leads to more timely repair, which ultimately results in lower levels of leakage.
The Aqua Analytics team can report on their smartphones or field tablets, using custom GIS-centric software (automatically pulling attributes such as Asset ID numbers, DMA details, etc.), which can then incorporate into systems like IBM Maximo.
Paper forms are outdated and lead to other errors and longer leak run-times. Third-party data collection apps, such as Fulcrum or Formsite, are often not integrated into GIS or EAM systems. Data can end up in a siloed environment where limited value is created for the broader benefit of a non-revenue water program. Seamless data transfer into the enterprise environment is critical to successful leakage reduction projects.
Workplace health and safety is critical for Aqua Analytics, and we are focused on ensuring our teams can go home to their families at the end of each day. Most of our clients share this perspective and have a no-compromise stance when it comes to safety on their projects.
Good safety management is an investment — an investment in your people.
Working in two-person teams when completing active leak detection is a critical aspect for us, which has a secondary benefit of improved quality outcomes due to the ability to cross-check work. Field technicians are less likely to perform “ghost surveys” when working alongside a colleague, and generally, it is known to improve morale.
There is no silver-bullet technology to solve water loss or non-revenue water challenges in water networks. It takes dedication, great people and a sufficient budget to cover the completion of tasks to a high standard. While disruptive technology is attempting to find a silver bullet for water leak detection, at the current time, utilities who turn a blind eye to trained and skilled operators will see their leakage rates increase. The very nature of water networks, being buried and out of sight and in such substantial lengths, means that knowledgeable boots-on-the-ground personnel will always have a place to add considerable value to operations.
At Aqua Analytics, we are brand agnostic for water main leak detection technology. We utilise equipment from all major suppliers, including Gutermann, HWM, Fuji-Tecom and Ovarro. When coupled with a custom GIS-centric reporting platform, we give our clients an advantage in addressing their non-revenue water loss management.
To learn more or set up a complimentary consultation, contact us today.
Has your water network or business been experiencing water leaks? Are you looking for information on water loss prevention? Maybe you’re trying to find water loss management services or establish a non-revenue water project? Whatever your situation may be, you’ve come to the right place.
The team at Aqua Analytics has helped pioneer water loss prevention, active leak detection, non-revenue water reduction projects throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Asia for over 20 years. When it comes to water network management technology, there’s no one more equipped to inform than us; We’re in a unique position whereby our experience and knowledge allows us to contribute to improved operational efficiency and leakage reduction across the Asia-Pacific.
Every water supply system experiences an ‘unaccounted for’ percentage of water loss every year, losses that can result in significant revenue decline for water authorities or extensive property damage. In order to reduce the sheer wastage of water year in year out across the globe, strong water loss prevention measures need to be put in place.
Continue reading to learn more about why preventing water loss is important, the relevant measures and systems, and how Aqua Analytics is going about tackling this substantial issue.
Water that has been produced and is ‘lost’ before it reaches the end-user is referred to as ‘non-revenue water’. High levels of non-revenue water are incredibly harmful to the quality of the water itself and the financial strength of water corporations. There are sizeable financial costs in having water utilities treat and pump water, only to see it leak back into the ground, combined with the loss in water that would otherwise have been sold. Moreover, better water loss control measures can protect public health by reducing the number of potential entry points for bacteria or disease-inducing pathogens.
It is estimated that 34% of all water worldwide becomes non-revenue-water at some point. High levels of non-revenue are harmful to water supply, the financial strength of water corporations and public health. Effective water loss management will safeguard our planet’s long-term sustainability and protect public health.
To put into perspective how prominent this problem is, if the water losses in developing countries could be halved, this saved water would be enough to supply around 90 million people.
Typically, the collective management of water utilities across the globe hasn’t been making sufficient progress due to the labour and resource cost attached to finding and fixing leaks within existing systems. A lack of incentive and poor financial discipline within this space has further extenuated the problem, creating a lethargy that has left the industry exposed to pressures arising from climate change, water scarcity and increased expectations of consumers.
As such, it is abundantly clear that effective water network loss prevention systems must be put in place as soon as possible in order to safeguard our planet’s long-term sustainability.
Effective non-revenue water management and prevention will enable water networks and utility services to expand and improve, enhancing financial income, increasing climate resilience, reducing energy consumption, and making cities more aesthetically pleasing. Better water management resulting in more saved water would improve the bottom line of service providers and decrease the necessity for water extraction, which in turn saves labour cost and improves the fundamental resilience of city networks. Furthermore, reducing non-revenue water has many knock-on effects, including reducing the cost of producing drinking water, reducing pressures on local water resources, increasing overall operational efficiency and more. In saying this, preventing water loss enough to make a noticeable worldwide difference requires extensive manpower and a cohesive effort across diplomatic institutions. On a smaller scale, water leak prevention efforts can result in the following benefits:
Finding leaks early through solid preventative leak detection measures or real-time monitoring with smart sensors means that leaks don’t have time to grow in size and become a more catastrophic failure. Finding leaks early is a prudent asset management approach that can lead to less disruption to customers and a lower cost to the municipality.
Identifying leaks early means that repairs can be done before it becomes a severe problem, saving time and money that would otherwise be left for emergency or overtime costs. It allows the leak to be scheduled for repair at a suitable time of the day and not repaired under an emergency scenario leading to higher direct costs (such as overtime).
Finding leaks, even while they’re relatively small, will save substantial amounts of water and generate revenue that otherwise would be lost. The overall environmental impact is also reduced considerably, as fewer alternative water sources such as desalination or new dams need to be considered.
Here at Aqua Analytics, we’re the industry leaders in effective water loss management strategies for major public water networks, regional councils, and local government, taking a proactive approach to water loss and leakage management that generates long-lasting results. We understand the need for individualised and tailored water loss management solutions, as what may have worked in one scenario may not apply to another due to asset age, soil type, construction methods or topography.
As such, we have a range of techniques and solutions backed by innovative technology to call on, with the sole intention of preventing high levels of water loss in Australia and New Zealand. If you’ve been wondering ‘how do water utilities prevent leakage?’, here are some of the ways we look to tackle the prominent issue of non-revenue water:
High-quality products and materials are the backbones of any effective water system; expenses and complications linked to poor quality products far exceed the cost attached to a solid, well-planned solution.
Water utility systems need to have asset management plans consistent with other areas of the existing overall strategy of the business. These management plans should be specific to each utility (and even supply zone or DMA), as what works for one may not work for another. When formulating a water loss management or water asset management plan, you must consider resource allocation, potential savings, regulators, data sources, a non-revenue water limit, the economic level of leakage (ELL) and any relevant political considerations.
In alignment with a proactive strategy, real-time data collection and regular on-site inspections reduce the risk of continued water loss and allow for improved conditions within the water network. Active leakage control and the improved speed and quality of repairs that come with regular monitoring work to reduce financial outlay over time. Our data-collection method is centred on smart technology and can be conducted remotely; our solutions seek to provide all clients with short and long-term benefits. We are able to customise field intelligence and data collection tools, smart water software platforms or leak detection software tools.
To ensure the development and effective maintenance of a well-equipped water network, knowledge sharing should be a priority – not only in technical insights but also a more overarching view of its necessity concerning sustainability and environmental concerns. Our staff are water industry professionals who are committed to water utility asset management projects.
Information on these two areas can be shared through company messaging systems, posters in high-traffic areas and regular meetings that keep the employee base in the loop on these topics. Incentivising staff engagement with the idea development process is another great way to develop cohesion and efficiency.
At Aqua Analytics, we’ve pioneered smart water network management solutions in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia for over 20 years. Our extensive experience has afforded us immense knowledge in this space – we’re uniquely positioned to implement digital solutions to improve operational efficiency in water systems and reduce resource expense in the maintenance and repairs of failing systems.
We place a strong emphasis on clear lines of communication, and our water network technicians have undergone customer service training to ensure the best client experience possible. At the start of a project, we’ll work closely with you to understand your objectives, budget, regulations, and long-term vision. We’ll be a true partner, an extension of your existing team committed to the achievement of your KPIs.
If you require assistance with water loss management, leak detection or pipeline condition assessment, please contact us today.
"*" indicates required fields
