Challenge

A remote community in the Northern Territory was grappling with significant water loss within its network, impacting resource availability and operational costs. The complex network, featuring 27 kilometres of distribution mains (predominantly non-metallic) and 480 customer connections, presented unique challenges for leak detection. High minimum night flow (MNF) measurements indicated significant leakage, and a considerable portion was suspected to be caused by customer-side leaks, which are common in remote communities.

Solution

Aqua Analytics was engaged to undertake a comprehensive water loss audit and investigation program. Leveraging a tailored approach designed for non-metallic pipe networks, Aqua Analytics aimed to identify and quantify water loss, empowering the community to take targeted action. Our methodology included:

Results

Client Quote: “We entrusted Aqua Analytics with monitoring several water mains during our two-week HDD project. Their daily reports gave the water utility the assurance they needed, confirming our work caused no damage. We will definitely use Aqua Analytics again in the future.”

Client Benefits

Conclusion

This leak detection project in the Northern Territory (NT) showcases how Aqua Analytics effectively addresses substantial water loss, particularly in remote communities. By utilising advanced leak detection techniques and our skilled team, we were able to pinpoint over 100 leaks and a large number of faulty meters, enabling the client to take immediate action.

Addressing these findings will significantly reduce non-revenue water (NRW) and improve the overall water balance in the community. Aqua Analytics recommends ongoing monitoring and a proactive customer leak detection program to maintain these improvements and ensure long-term water sustainability in the NT.

Challenge

Using TaKaDu’s Central Event Management (CEM) software, the water retailer effectively monitored their District Metered Areas (DMAs) for water loss. However, the challenge lay in swiftly addressing the identified leaks to minimise non-revenue water (NRW) and maintain optimal network efficiency. They required a partner capable of rapid response and expert leak detection services.

Solution

Aqua Analytics, a trusted panel provider for the water retailer, was engaged to provide reactive leak detection and repair services. Leveraging their expertise and advanced technology, Aqua Analytics implemented the following solution:

Results

Client Benefits

Conclusion

Aqua Analytics’ partnership with the Southeast Queensland water retailer showcases the effectiveness of combining advanced technology with expert field services. By leveraging TaKaDu’s CEM system and Aqua Analytics’ rapid response capabilities, the water retailer achieved significant reductions in water loss, improved network efficiency, and demonstrated a commitment to sustainable water management. This collaboration is a model for other water utilities seeking to optimise their leak detection and repair processes for a more resilient and efficient water network.

Challenge

The operator faced a growing concern over water loss across their diverse portfolio of water schemes, ranging from 5 to 100 kilometres. These schemes, predominantly featuring non-metallic water mains, presented unique challenges for leak detection due to sound propagation limitations and complex configurations, including “rider” mains. Additionally, customer-side leaks posed a challenge as meters weren’t read, and consumption wasn’t billed volumetrically.

Solution

Recognising the need for specialised expertise, the operator engaged Aqua Analytics to conduct a thorough water loss investigation across their various schemes. Aqua Analytics’ personalised approach involved:

Aqua Analytics deployed a team of leak detection specialists who are experienced in working with non-metallic pipe networks. They utilised specialised acoustic equipment and techniques specifically designed to overcome the challenges of sound propagation in these materials.

The project encompassed a comprehensive investigation of each water scheme, including:

Results

Client Benefits

Conclusion

Aqua Analytics’ comprehensive approach to water loss investigation delivered exceptional results for the private water network operator in New Zealand. By tailoring their methodology to the specific challenges of non-metallic pipes and providing a full-scale network assessment, Aqua Analytics successfully identified and addressed many leaks, resulting in substantial water savings and improved operational efficiency for the client.

Overview

Aqua Analytics was engaged twice within six months to conduct a comprehensive water network audit and leak detection initiative in a remote Northern Territory community grappling with significant non-revenue water loss.

Methodology

Solutions

The project aimed to address the community’s high non-revenue water loss by:

Results

Benefits

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to water loss management, combining network audits, leak detection, and GIS technology to achieve significant water savings and cost reductions. Aqua Analytics’ initiative provided the remote Northern Territory community with valuable insights into their water network, enabling targeted repairs and proactive asset management, ultimately enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of their water supply system.

Logo