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.
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.
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.
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!
Water is a precious resource and its efficient management is crucial for urban and rural communities. With growing populations and increased urbanisation, the need for effective water loss management has never been more important. This blog post will explain the innovative solutions offered by water loss management experts, focusing on the benefits of district-metered areas and pressure management.
District-metered areas (DMAs) are specialised zones within a water distribution network that are closely monitored for flow and pressure. The implementation of DMAs has proven to be a game-changer in water loss management. Water loss management professionals are important in planning and designing these areas, ensuring they are ideally configured to reduce water loss and improve system efficiency.
It’s important to understand that pressure management is more than just reducing water force; it’s a strategic move with significant benefits for water conservation. Let’s explore these advantages:
Water loss management experts implement these pressure management techniques, ensuring the system operates at peak efficiency while conserving valuable resources. Their knowledge allows for a finely tuned system that maximises efficiency and sustainability.
It’s important to know that DMAs and pressure management work together to minimise these risks, making your water supply more resilient. Here’s how they do it:
Effective planning and implementation of DMAs and pressure management can significantly reduce the risk of pipe bursts, saving resources and money. This proactive approach also minimises disruptions to residents and businesses, enhancing community well-being.
Monitoring flow and pressure enables the early identification of leaks, which allows for prompt repairs. Acting quickly to fix leaks helps avoid additional damage and saves water, thereby enhancing the system’s efficiency and sustainability.
The financial benefits of implementing DMAs and effective pressure management are substantial. Reduced water loss means lower operational costs and less expenditure on emergency repairs. Additionally, these systems can extend the lifespan of your water infrastructure, delaying the need for costly replacements.
They can also lead to more accurate billing, ensuring revenue is not lost due to system inefficiencies. Water Loss management experts play an important role in realising these economic gains by offering tailored solutions that fit the specific needs of a water distribution system.
It’s worth mentioning that these hurdles aren’t setbacks but opportunities for improvement, especially when you have water loss management experts on your side. Let’s look at these challenges and their solutions:
Compliance with water management regulations is not just a legal necessity but also a marker of operational excellence. Implementing DMAs and pressure management systems can help municipalities meet these regulatory requirements. Water loss management experts guide these entities through the maze of compliance, ensuring ideal standards are met.
Additionally, meeting these standards often leads to improved public trust and can even open doors for funding and grants aimed at further system improvements. By staying compliant, municipalities can avoid legal repercussions and position themselves as leaders in sustainable water management.
When it comes to managing your water distribution effectively, you don’t have to go it alone. At Aqua Analytics, our team is committed to providing you with tailored solutions that meet your specific challenges when it comes to non-revenue water. From planning and implementing district-metered areas to optimizing pressure management systems, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let inefficiencies in your water system hold you back. Reach out to us today!
For water utilities, controlling leaks and reducing non-revenue water can be a significant challenge. To ensure maximum efficiency in water distribution networks, it is important to understand what water loss management is, and how you can best address water loss through strategic management solutions.
At Aqua Analytics, we are passionate about implementing effective water loss management strategies to improve operational efficiencies for water utilities, ensure a reliable supply for their customers, and positively contribute to sustainable water networks.
Water loss management is the implementation of strategies, tactics, and activities to reduce water loss from a distribution network. Lost water can stem from leaks, burst pipes and incorrect meter registration or other administrative errors. The water lost within the system is referred to as real losses. Non-revenue water is drinking water that has been captured, treated, and pumped but does not reach its intended destination. This can prove costly to water utility providers as it has been processed, and costs incurred, but not paid for by an end customer.
Effective water loss management requires a tailored approach, as every utility and scenario is unique. These projects will be specific to each water utility and sometimes to sections within a water management system.
At the beginning of any water loss and pressure management project, the consulting party should work closely with the utility to understand their objectives, budget, network requirements, and long-term goals. These asset management plans must be consistent with other aspects of their strategic or corporate objectives for the most effective results.
To provide further detail about “what is water loss management?”, here are six key questions that we always consider when working on any water management project.
After all these questions have been answered, and the project goals are identified, water loss experts can then deploy various tools, techniques, and technologies to identify problem areas and study the relevant sections of the water network. With these areas identified, recommendations can be made to improve the network and reduce loss with improvements to infrastructure, monitoring and the replacement or remediation of pipeline sections. When considering the question of “What is water loss management?”, it is essential to note that management projects vary in requirements and time frames. Some utilities will request short term assistance or resolve immediate issues, while others contract water loss technicians on a long-term project for more holistic remediation and ongoing management. Additionally, as a project progresses, the requirements and costs could vary. It is essential to continually review the techniques and processes utilised to ensure the most cost-effective and efficient strategies are being implemented.
Read more: Losses in Water Distribution Networks – What are they?
One of the primary activities carried out when assessing a water management network is leak detection. Active leak detection is essential in identifying where leaks are present and reducing the effects of non-revenue water. Improvements in leak detection technology have produced a whole suite of devices and processes which can be utilised and tailored to each project. Leak detection equipment includes listening sticks, ground microphones, leak noise correlators and acoustic leak detection devices. An approach that uses multiple pieces of equipment can provide accurate locations of the leaks and areas of the pipeline that require remediation.
Minimum night flowing monitoring is utilised to determining the extent of the water loss within the network. Between midnight and 5 am, most water networks are operating at their minimum requirement. This period of reduced fluctuation and minimal flow provides the perfect opportunity to conduct a minimum flow test and study the networks level of water loss.
Another aspect of understanding what water loss is, is acknowledging the importance of preventative measures that reduce existing water inefficiencies and provide long term solutions to mitigate their effects. The implementation of permanent leak monitoring provides utilities with access to real-time data that allows them to identify and repair emerging leaks. Identifying these leaks before they cause a catastrophic failure is a massive advantage for utilities as the resources required for repairs and downtimes are significantly reduced. Monitoring devices such as noise loggers can be implemented in permanent or semi-permanent configurations and provide detailed diagnostic information remotely to improve decision-making.
Aqua Analytics, we are passionate about using data and technology-driven solutions for all water management projects. Internet of things (IoT) devices allow for remote, real-time data collection for on-site inspections, real-time monitoring, and water loss management projects. The implementation of these data enabled components to contribute to developing a smart water network that improves the efficiency, longevity, and reliability of the physical water utilities. IoT devices for water pipelines are also incredibly affordable and easy to install, making them perfect for utilities looking to embrace digital solutions and improve overall operations.
The Benefits of Ongoing Water Loss Management While ongoing water loss management projects will not have a set conclusion, it is possible to continually monitor and review the performance of the utility network, or at least, a section of it. Ongoing assessments will involve collecting data and analysing it against the initial and recent performance of the network. An ongoing strategy will continually seek to improve on key performance indicators. Three critical aims for any water loss management project are:
Reduced Levels of Leakage – remediations to sources of leaks and improved monitoring reduce the amount of treated water lost underground.
More Reliable Water Supply – fixing existing or damaged pipes at risk of significant bursts reduces the frequency and efficiency reductions of catastrophic events.
Improved Water Quality – a more secure water network with fewer leaks will reduce the potential for contamination. Additionally, enhanced monitoring controls improve troubleshooting processes and identification of any variations in quality levels. Improved water quality and the reliability of the network enhances compliance and safety for customers.
The reduced leakage and increased reliability and quality all positively affect the efficiency of the water management network. Increased operational efficiencies positively contribute to the overall costs for the utility. It also improves the overall sustainability of the pipeline with less energy required to deliver the water to its intended destination.
Read more: What are smart water networks?
If you would like any more information regarding “what is water loss management?”, do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at Aqua Analytics. We have over 20 years of experience in water loss management and active leak detection projects throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. We pride ourselves on results-driven work and providing excellent service to our customers.
We continue to be the team that water utilities across Australia and New Zealand turn to when they require expert water loss and pressure management assistance. If you would like more information about our services or to enquire about how we can help you, contact us today.
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.
The 4th of December 2021 is World Water Loss Day. This event was initiated in 2019 by the International Water Loss Association (IWA) to “raise awareness of the enormous problem of water losses from drinking water distribution systems and the need to get more serious fighting it.”
According to IWA’s estimates, water losses from drinking water supply networks worldwide amount to 346 billion litres every day. Reducing water loss by at least 30% provides sufficient savings to supply treated water to 800 million people!
Water companies worldwide employ various strategies to detect, manage, and reduce water loss. Over the past century, pipeline leak detection technologies have evolved from analog tools to more sophisticated and digitally-enabled equipment. Utilities in Australia and abroad have taken great strides to lessen wastage and provide better services to their respective customers – but it’s always a work in progress.
World Water Loss Day is a perfect opportunity to look back at the early beginnings of water network management – and how far it has come.
Read more: Expert Water Loss Management in Australia and New Zealand
There are extensive accounts on water networks built by earlier civilisations in Egypt and India, but the Roman Aqueducts are perhaps the most popular. The engineers of the Roman Empire constructed an extensive series of pipes, canals, bridges, and tunnels across their territories from 312 BC to 226 AD. With gravity and the natural terrain, the aqueducts channelled water from springs and lakes into the cities.
These networks provided water for drinking, irrigation, and hundreds of public baths and fountains. . Public and private entities funded construction, and rulers like Augustus, Caligula, and Trajan ordered aqueducts to be built. According to National Geographic, aqueducts remain in present-day Turkey, Greece, France, Spain, and North Africa.
However, managing an extensive water supply network came with plenty of challenges. Firstly, expansion required thorough planning and years of construction. Bridges with rounded stone arches were built to traverse European valleys, while several kilometres of brick-faced concrete pipes and canals ran throughout the empire. Central Rome itself had 11 systems that supplied fresh water from lakes as far as 90 km away.
With such an expansive network, key officials were assigned to handle regular inspection and maintenance of the infrastructure. Perhaps the most detailed records of early water loss management systems can be found in the accounts of Sextus Julius Frontinus.
Frontinus was a prominent military general, civil engineer, and senator during the late 1st century AD. In his report entitled De Aquaeductu Urbis Romae (On the Water Management of the City of Rome), he detailed the condition, problems, and corresponding solutions of the water system circa 96 AD.
Interestingly, the issues he identified 2000 years ago are not too different from modern-day concerns of water utility companies in our cities and towns. For instance, Frontinus reported extensive water loss that resulted from older pipes and canals. He also noted that trees were particularly harmful since “their roots dislodge the vaulted coverings and sides of the conduits… and deny access for maintenance.”
As such, ordinances were raised to prohibit landholders from planting trees, shrubs, and brambles at a certain distance from the aqueducts. Roman engineers performed visual inspection and repairs on conduits above ground, ensuring that the masonry was sound. However, they noted the difficulty of identifying underground leaks, a problem that all water utilities still face in 2021.
They also reported water loss due to theft, particularly on Aqua Appia and Anio – two of the oldest aqueducts in the City of Rome. “The conduits of Appia and Anio had fallen into disrepair through long use, and their waters were being fraudulently diverted by private individuals,” said Frontinus. While water theft from supply systems is uncommon in Australia and New Zealand, it is prevalent in developing countries. De Aquaeductu documented the proposed laws to punish water theft and address Rome’s increasing water demand at the time. They even built several castella or settling tanks to help remove sediments from the water supply. This is akin to water treatment and filtration plants that we have today.
Let’s jump to the 1800s. Centuries later, detecting leaks in buried pipelines remained a challenge to water utilities worldwide. The period coincided with the Industrial Revolution when the population in major cities and water demand continued to rise rapidly.
In 1878, New Jersey professor Alfred Mayer invented a listening device called the topophone. The wearable instrument enabled the user to determine the source and direction of sound waves.
Read more: Learn about implementing smart water networks.
This World Water Loss Day and beyond, water utility companies should rethink the effectiveness and sustainability of their leakage reduction strategies. In addition to improving customer service and alleviating waste, there should be a greater emphasis that water is a precious and finite resource. This is especially relevant given the impact of climate change on our environment.
As such, investing in real-time monitoring solutions like smart water metres, acoustic monitoring technologies, and transient pressure monitoring devices may be viable for long-term asset management. When combined with highly skilled field teams, Internet of Things (IoT) and integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), water professionals can now rapidly identify leaks and provide timely repairs that lead to better customer service, environmental and financial outcomes.
At Aqua Analytics, we believe in learning from history and maximising the potential of technology in addressing water loss and finding leaks. We help water utilities in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia implement projects that deliver insight and impact to reduce water loss and leakage in distribution networks.
Please call us at 1800 264 262 (AU) or 0800 345 697 (NZ) or visit our contact page for more details.
Originally published on 1st December 2021
Many parts of Australia, and specifically New South Wales, are currently experiencing severe drought conditions. Next week, on 10 December, the Greater Sydney region will move to Level 2 Water Restrictions with dam levels falling to just 45%. These restrictions mean gardens can only be watered before 10am or after 4pm with a watering can or bucket, cars must be washed with a bucket and a permit is required to before filling any swimming pool. Those who break these rules risk fines of $220 for individuals and $550 for businesses.
Usually Level 2 Water Restrictions would come in when dam levels fall below 40%. However, the State Government has taken the measure of implementing these earlier given the seriousness of the situation. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said “Given the rapid rate of decline of our dam levels we have decided to enact the next level of restrictions sooner than planned. We’re experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record and we expect introducing Level 2 restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year.
“Given the rapid rate of decline of our dam levels we have decided to enact the next level of restrictions sooner than planned. We’re experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record and we expect introducing Level 2 restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year.”
The last time the Greater Sydney region was under water restrictions was a period from October 2003 through to June 2009.
Since 2009, while water restrictions weren’t in place, an initiative called Water Wise has tried to influence long-term water use habits by making suggestions on how small savings can be made by households to be more efficient with their water.
When the 2003 drought hit, a large NSW water utility had leakage in excess of 180 megalitres per day (MLD). Or, if using the pseudo-international leakage measure of representing this with volume with Olympic Sized Swimming Pools (OSSP), it would be 72 OSSPs. Or it’s one hundred nine billion five hundred million (109,500,000,000) bottles of water that you buy from 7-Eleven.
This is a lot of water! Particularly when a region is experiencing drought.
In periods of drought, all stakeholders are more aware of any wastage occurring. Water consumers do not like to be told to save water by not washing their cars or having short showers, only to walk out their front door to see a burst water main spilling thousands of litres per minute over the road. This increased awareness leads to more scrutiny, particularly by the media, and sometimes the Shadow Ministry.
Through collating publicly available information on leakage levels and active leak detection activities, we can see what occurred during the 2003-2009 drought to understand if similar will occur during this drought. As mentioned above, a large NSW water utility had leakage in excess of 180 MLD in 2003 when the drought commenced. By June 30 2010, this had reduced to 99 MLD.
There was no doubt a vast number of initiatives and investments undertaken to reduce the leakage over this period. Specifically, actively finding leaks on the water reticulation network (active leak detection or ALD) increased significantly, when measured by kilometres inspected, during the drought period. This is indicated by the green line in the chart below. Interestingly the level of activity, once again measured by kilometres inspected, dropped after the Level 3 Water Restrictions ended and it subsequently led to an increase in leakage.
Source: The data for the above chart has been collated from publicly available sources.
Unfortunately, I could not find ALD information for the four-year period commencing 2012-13. However, it was noted in 2016-17 that a total of 217,635km of ALD had been undertaken since the program commenced in 1999. Using the other available data, it gives us an average of 8,000 km over those four years.
As we move to Level 2 Restrictions, are we going to see an increase in water loss reduction activities across NSW similar to that observed in 2003-2009 period? Or, is it more a case of understanding if we doing enough to reduce water lost from our networks in periods when we are not in drought?
Has the Economic Level of Leakage changed and influenced the level of investment in the activities over the past decade?
With many global cities moving to advanced smart networks to identify network faults in near real-time (read here about the award winning SA Water Smart Water Network), at what point do smart systems get viewed for their ability to contribute meaningfully towards leakage reduction and not just for customer service benefits such as identification of disruptive bursts?
During decisions about building or expanding desalination plants, do water loss reduction activities get spoken about or are large capital projects always going to be favoured?
As highlighted by this weeks inaugural World Water Loss Day, if global water losses were reduced by just 30%, an additional 800 million people could be supplied with already treated water. Even if particular regions are leading by global standards, the impact we can make collectively is so significant it should not be ignored and we can always do more.
The comments in this article are my own.
Published by Hugh Chapman, Managing Director at Aqua Analytics on 6 December 2019
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