NRW Consulting Archives - Aqua Analytics

Challenge

Non-revenue water (NRW) presents a major hurdle for water utilities in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, often reaching staggering levels of 20-50%. This substantial water loss, mainly attributed to physical leaks, strains resources and hampers efficient water management. A leading Malaysian water utility, committed to addressing this challenge, sought expert guidance to improve its leakage reduction efforts.

With a large distributed base of leakage technicians, they saught to understand any skill gaps, training requirements or technology enhancements that could improve their detection capability.

Solution

Aqua Analytics, a global leader in water loss management, stepped in to provide a tailored solution. Our team of four highly experienced leakage specialists, each with decades of field experience, delivered a week-long, intensive training program. Over 190 leakage technicians participated, gaining invaluable insights and practical skills to enhance daily operations. Furthermore, advisory was provided to the CEO and COO of the utility on improvements that could be made to leakage detection project to drive down NRW.

Individualised Assessments: Each technician underwent a competency assessment, receiving personalized feedback and targeted development plans.
Identifying Future Leakage Leaders: High-performing technicians were recognised, paving the way for potential leadership roles within the utility.
Technology Evaluation & Optimisation: The team evaluated existing leak detection technologies, offering tailored recommendations for improved utilisation in the Malaysian context.
Executive-Level Strategy: Aqua Analytics presented a comprehensive report to the utility's leadership, outlining a strategic roadmap for strengthening their large-scale NRW reduction program.
On-Site Coaching & Mentorship: Hands-on guidance and practical demonstrations were provided, empowering technicians with actionable techniques to minimise water loss.
Operational Restructuring: Aqua Analytics recommended improved workflows and organisational structures to bolster the efficiency of the leakage reduction team.

Measureable Outcomes

Enhanced Technician Skills: The training led to a marked improvement in the technicians' knowledge and competency in leak detection and repair.
Optimised Leak Detection Practices: The water utility is now equipped to achieve substantial NRW reductions, conserving water and improving operational efficiency.
Empowered Workforce: The program boosted technician confidence and fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the utility.
Strategic Vision: The executive-level recommendations provided a clear path for long-term NRW reduction and sustainable water management.

Conclusion

Aqua Analytics’ specialised training program was crucial in empowering the Malaysian water utility to tackle NRW challenges proactively. This successful collaboration highlights the effectiveness of investing in human capital and leveraging expert knowledge to combat water loss in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

By combining technical skills, innovative approaches, and strategic guidance, Aqua Analytics helped the utility optimise its leak detection capabilities and take a major stride towards a more sustainable water future.

Challenge

The council urgently needed to address escalating non-revenue water (NRW) levels within its water distribution network. Upon investigation, it became apparent that numerous pressure management valves (PRVs) and associated devices across various sites were neglected and inoperable. This compromised the council’s ability to regulate water pressure effectively, leading to increased leakage, pipe bursts, and unnecessary water waste.

Solution

Aqua Analytics was engaged to assess and advise on the current state of the council’s pressure management infrastructure and identify enhancements to achieve an ideal future state. The project adopted a multi-phased approach:

Comprehensive Site Assessment: Aqua Analytics conducted a thorough on-site assessment of PRVs and associated equipment across various locations within the network. This involved identifying faulty equipment, diagnosing malfunctions, and assessing the overall state of the pressure management system. This included assessing 2G devices that had not been operational for extended periods.
Data Collection and Analysis: To gain a deeper understanding of the network's pressure profile, Aqua Analytics deployed pressure data loggers at strategic points. This data collection effort focused on areas where the council sought to establish or recommission Pressure Management Areas (PMAs). The collected data provided critical insights into pressure levels at PRV inlets and outlets, average zonal pressure (AZP), and critical pressure points (CPP).
Repair and Recommissioning: Aqua Analytics worked closely with council personnel and equipment manufacturers to identify repair and rectification requirements. This involved obtaining costs to replace outdated components, adjusting settings, and ensuring proper functionality to regulate water pressure effectively.
Detailed Reporting and Recommendations: A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the site assessment, data analysis, and recommended actions was prepared for the council. This report included a costed plan for returning all assets online and optimising pressure management across the network.

Results

Improved Pressure Management: The council will regain control over their water pressure by repairing and recommissioning the neglected PRVs and associated equipment, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and bursts.
Reduced NRW: The optimised pressure management system will substantially decrease non-revenue water, resulting in water conservation and cost savings.
Enhanced Data Insights: Delivering pressure data loggers will provide valuable information for future network improvements, hydraulic model validation, and investment prioritisation. This data could be viewed in a central council software platform for water network operations.

Client Benefits

Increased Network Efficiency: The project will assist in a more efficient and reliable water distribution network, ensuring consistent water pressure and supply for customers.
Cost Savings: When recommendations are implemented, the reduction in NRW and improved asset management will translate to significant cost savings for the council.
Proactive Maintenance: The project highlighted the importance of ongoing maintenance for pressure management equipment, enabling the council to implement a proactive approach to asset management. It was highlighted that a custodian for the PRVs should be assigned, and PRVs and DMAs should be treated as "assets" to ensure an appropriate management plan is developed and adhered to.

Conclusion

Aqua Analytics’ expertise in pressure management and data analysis was crucial in helping revitalise the council’s water infrastructure. By addressing the neglected PRVs and providing a clear roadmap for optimisation, Aqua Analytics empowered the council to achieve their NRW reduction goals and ensure a more sustainable water supply for their community. The consulting project highlighted the need for the council to take a different approach to their DMA management, ensuring that future investments are managed correctly and that appropriate resources are assigned to provide suitable maintenance and upkeep.

Challenge

The council, responsible for providing water services to a population of over 40,000, was committed to reducing non-revenue water (NRW) losses below their current level of 20%. While recent leak detection efforts had been undertaken, the council sought a comprehensive review of their District Metered Areas (DMAs) and leakage reduction strategy to achieve further water savings.

Solution

Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a thorough assessment of the council’s water distribution network and provide actionable recommendations for improvement. The project encompassed:

DMA Configuration Assessment: A meticulous review of existing DMA setups was performed to evaluate their effectiveness in monitoring and leak detection. This involved identifying areas lacking flow metering and recommending the establishment of new DMAs.
DMA Suitability Analysis: The sizing and boundaries of existing DMAs were analysed to ensure accurate flow data capture and optimal leak detection. Recommendations for DMA restructuring were made to enhance monitoring efficiency.
Leak Detection and Monitoring Strategy Review: Current methodologies, particularly Minimum Night Flow (MNF) analysis and the existing quarterly mass balance approach were assessed. Improvements and the potential for more frequent assessments were proposed to better manage water loss.
Detailed Reporting and Recommendations: A comprehensive report outlining findings on DMA effectiveness, areas requiring additional monitoring, and the efficiency of current leak detection methods was delivered. The report also provided actionable recommendations for DMA optimisation, enhanced monitoring strategies, and improved leak detection techniques.
Data-Driven Review Using GIS: A geographic information system (GIS) was used to collate and analyse historical asset data, maps, plans, leak locations, asset repairs, and NRW efforts implemented through the years.

Deliverables

Results

Enhanced DMA Effectiveness: The council gained a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their existing DMAs, enabling them to prioritise improvements for more accurate monitoring and leak detection.
Strategic Roadmap for Leakage Reduction: The recommendations provided a strategic roadmap for the council to reduce water loss further, encompassing short-term and long-term actions.
Increased Operational Efficiency: The proposed improvements to monitoring and leak detection strategies are expected to streamline operations and reduce costs associated with water loss.

Key Benefits

Proactive Water Management: The project empowered the council to address water loss and improve resource management proactively.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: The detailed analysis and recommendations provided a solid foundation for data-driven decision-making regarding network improvements and water conservation strategies.
Sustainable Practices: The project contributed to the council's sustainability goals and environmental stewardship by reducing water loss.

Conclusion

Aqua Analytics’ consultancy services played a pivotal role in helping the regional council optimise its water network management. The comprehensive assessment and strategic recommendations provided a clear path towards significantly reducing water loss, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply for their community.

Challenge

The council, responsible for providing water services to a large population, recognised the need to update its outdated Water Loss Management Plan (WLMP). The existing plan needs strategic direction and actionable recommendations to optimise its water network efficiency and reduce non-revenue water (NRW) volumes.

Solution

Aqua Analytics was engaged to conduct a thorough review of the council’s outdated water loss management practices and develop a comprehensive tactical plan. The project encompassed:

Data Review and Water Balance Calculations: Aqua Analytics analysed recent water supply data to update the water balance calculation for the entire system and its sub-zones. This involved addressing data discrepancies or assumptions that could be field-validated for improved accuracy.
Prioritised Action Plan: A list of sub-zone investigations and tasks was developed, including recommendations for improved metering, leak detection, real-time IoT monitoring, and data aggregation (and ultimately using a smart water software platform). This action plan focused on areas where the council could significantly reduce water loss.
Real-Time Water Balance Assessment: Aqua Analytics explored opportunities to leverage existing data for real-time water balance monitoring, enabling the council to identify and respond to water loss issues proactively.
Metering and Monitoring Recommendations: Aqua Analytics identified specific sites where additional metering and monitoring could enhance network intelligence and facilitate targeted NRW investigations.
Field Scoping and Feasibility Assessment: A detailed field scoping exercise was conducted at the identified sites, evaluating accessibility, power supply options, communication methods, and ease of installation for the recommended metering and monitoring equipment.

Deliverables

Updated Water Balance Calculations: Accurate and up-to-date water balance calculations for the entire system and individual sub-zones, providing a clear picture of current water loss levels.
Tactical Water Loss Management Plan: A comprehensive plan outlining prioritised actions, timelines, and resource requirements for reducing NRW in the short and medium term.
Feasibility Assessment Report: A detailed report assessing the feasibility of implementing additional metering and monitoring at the identified sites.

Results

Strategic Roadmap for NRW Reduction: The council received a tactical plan with actionable recommendations that served as a roadmap for achieving their water loss reduction goals.
Data-Driven Decision Making: The updated water balance calculations and real-time monitoring recommendations empowered the council to make data-driven network improvements and NRW management decisions.
Enhanced Network Efficiency: Implementing the recommended actions will improve network efficiency, reduce water loss, and save on costs.

Client Benefits

Proactive Water Loss Management: The tactical plan enabled the council to manage water loss proactively rather than reacting to crises.
Optimised Resource Allocation: Prioritising actions ensured that resources were allocated to the most impactful areas for NRW reduction.
Sustainable Practices: The council is committed to sustainable water management practices and environmental stewardship by reducing water loss.

Conclusion

Aqua Analytics’ consulting expertise in water loss management and data analysis was pivotal in assisting the council. By providing a comprehensive tactical plan, Aqua Analytics empowered the council to address their water loss challenges effectively, leading to a more resilient and sustainable water system for their community. The prioritised list of actions and full budgetary scope will allow the council to go directly to the market to procure goods and services to implement their water loss plan in the coming years. This includes smart meters, smart devices, trunk main leak detection, and active leak detection services.

Challenge

The client recognised the need to enhance the NRW (Non-Revenue Water) management skills and knowledge of personnel within various local water utilities (LWUs). Given the LWUs’ wide range of expertise levels and resource constraints, a comprehensive and adaptable training program was required.

Solution

Aqua Analytics developed and delivered a multi-faceted NRW training program personalised to the diverse needs of the participating LWUs. The program included:

In-Person Training Sessions: Six two-day, in-person training sessions were held in Armidale, Newcastle, and Parkes. These sessions provided a deep dive into NRW principles, active leakage control, pressure management, and metering. A key component of these sessions was a practical field visit to observe real-world applications of the concepts.
Online Training Course: Recognising the geographical constraints of some participants, a four-week online course was offered, providing two hours of instruction per week. This flexible format ensured accessibility for a wider audience.
IWA-Guided Curriculum: The training curriculum was developed in alignment with the International Water Association (IWA) Water Loss Specialist Group's best practices, ensuring a globally recognised standard of expertise.
Site Visits: To reinforce theoretical knowledge, site visits were organised to showcase practical examples of pressure management, smart metering, and acoustic leak detection technologies in action.

Results

Improved Knowledge and Competency: Participants significantly increased their understanding of NRW principles, terminology, and best practices. Post-training assessments revealed a greater awareness of key concepts like active leakage control (ALC) and unavoidable annual real losses (UARL).
Increased Confidence: Attendees reported greater confidence in identifying and addressing NRW issues within their respective LWUs.
Enhanced Collaboration: The training fostered a collaborative environment, allowing participants to share experiences and learn from each other's challenges and successes.
Broad Reach: Approximately 100 attendees from various LWUs completed the training, contributing to a wider dissemination of NRW knowledge and skills across the region.

Positive Outcomes

Standardised Terminology: The training program helped establish consistent terminology and understanding of NRW principles among participants.
Practical Application: The hands-on nature of the in-person sessions, particularly the field visits, proved invaluable in reinforcing theoretical concepts and showcasing real-world applications.
Future-Proofing: The training equipped LWUs with the knowledge and skills to manage NRW proactively, ensuring long-term water conservation and resource efficiency.

Quote from Attendee: “Excellent content, well presented. I learned a lot more than I was expecting. Keen to bring ideas back to Council.”

Conclusion

Aqua Analytics’ comprehensive NRW capacity-building program successfully addressed the diverse needs of local water utilities, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage water loss and improve operational efficiency effectively. This project exemplifies a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration in the water industry, ultimately leading to more sustainable water management practices.