Challenge
A significant water utility in Southeast Queensland, facing the dual pressures of high demand and a significant bulk water price of approximately $3,500 per megalitre, was grappling with substantial non-revenue water (NRW). In this context, every litre lost to leakage represented a direct financial burden.
The utility required a partner who could respond promptly to network anomalies, accurately identify leaks, and deliver a clear, quantifiable return on investment for their water loss reduction program. This program was closely aligned with their Central Event Management (CEM) implementation, which allows them to view DMA level data and prioritise field activities.
Solution: A Data-Driven Water Loss Management Strategy
Aqua Analytics was engaged for targeted District Metered Area (DMA) investigations, designed to address the utility’s water loss challenges. Our solution was built on a foundation of rapid response, data-driven insights and high-quality field services, which proved critical for proactive leakage reduction:
- Quick Mobilisation: Upon receiving automated alarms from the utility's TaKaDu Central Event Management software, Aqua Analytics' expert field teams were mobilized immediately. This rapid response minimized leak run-times, which is crucial for reducing water loss and financial impact.
- GIS-Centric Planning: Field teams were fully prepared for deployment by leveraging the utility’s GIS data. This geospatial intelligence was instrumental in planning efficient inspection routes and ensuring comprehensive network coverage.
- Real-Time Spatial Reporting: Using our integrated digital workflow, field technicians captured and reported leak locations with real-time spatial data. This enabled prompt remediation, which directly contributed to reducing leak run times and improving overall network efficiency.
- Comprehensive Network Assessment: The investigation went beyond simple leaks, identifying other sources of apparent loss, such as faulty meters that did not register water flow and compromised boundary valves. This holistic approach provided a more complete picture of the network's health and contributed to a higher return on investment.
Measurable Outcomes
- The program achieved a 26x return on investment (ROI), with one DMA alone generating a 47x ROI. This quantifiable success demonstrates the profound financial impact of targeted leak detection in DMAs.
- Over the course of the project, Aqua Analytics identified 120 network leaks, which contributed to a total water loss of 642.4 ML per year.
- This proactive approach led to a total of $1.26 million in network-only water savings, showcasing the direct financial benefit of the program.
Conclusion
This case study illustrates the significant financial and environmental benefits of a strategic, data-driven approach to water loss management in a high-cost environment, such as Southeast Queensland.
By partnering with Aqua Analytics, this major water utility was able to move beyond reactive repairs to a proactive, results-oriented program. Our professional leakage detection services and digital asset management solutions enabled them to achieve a substantial return on every dollar invested, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient water network for the future.
Ready to achieve a similar ROI on your water loss program? Contact our experts today to discuss your network’s unique challenges.
