Challenge
A district council in the South Island of New Zealand recognised the urgency of addressing water loss within their network, particularly as the summer months approached.
They engaged Aqua Analytics to undertake an intensive active leakage control investigation to ensure a resilient water supply for their community. Our team mobilised within weeks of award and completed the work within a few days.
The project focused on two of the council’s water systems, covering 51 kilometres of water mains. The network presented unique challenges due to a high proportion of non-metallic pipes (uPVC and PE), making leak detection more complex and requiring a skilled team to investigate.
Solution
Aqua Analytics deployed a skilled two-person team equipped with sensitive acoustic equipment to conduct a thorough survey, accessing all available appurtenances and water meters.
Using a GIS-centric approach, Aqua Analytics meticulously mapped and recorded each leak’s location. This spatial data was integrated into the council’s GIS system, enabling swift visualisation and prioritisation of repair works. By accurately pinpointing leak locations, the council could dispatch repair crews efficiently, reducing response times and minimising water wastage.
Measureable Outcomes
The intensive investigation yielded significant results, uncovering a total of 34 leaks, including 30 network leaks and 4 customer-side leaks.
The combined leakage amounted to a substantial 234 liters per minute, translating to a staggering 123 megaliters of annual water loss. Notably, some leaks on mains and ferrules exceeded 20 liters per minute, highlighting the potential for significant wastage over time.
Over 85% of the detected leaks were not visible above ground, underscoring the importance of proactive leak detection in identifying hidden water loss. As the summer months approached, this intervention was crucial in ensuring the community’s water supply remained resilient during periods of peak demand.
Conclusion
Aqua Analytics’ expertise in leak detection and GIS-centric reporting enabled the district council to proactively address non-revenue water challenges in the South Island of New Zealand.
By implementing a targeted and efficient investigation, we identified and quantified significant water loss, empowering the council to take swift corrective action and ensure a more sustainable and resilient water supply for their community.
New Zealand councils are now better equipped to address water loss challenges with the shift to a new funding model under the “Local Water Done Well” initiative. This positive development, coupled with the proactive leak detection services provided by Aqua Analytics, paves the way for improved water network efficiency and sustainability across the nation.
