Impact of active night population and leakage exponent on leakage estimation in developing countries

Abstract Methods for network leakage estimation include water balance, component analysis and minimum night flow (MNF) methods the latter of which involves subtracting the customer night use (QCNU) from night leakage and multiplying by the hour day factor (HDF). QCNU and HDF respectively depend on Active Night Population (ANP) and leakage exponent (N1). In most developing countries, these parameters are assumed in the MNF method thus introducing errors which makes setting realistic leakage reduction targets and key performance indicators (KPI) problematic. In this study, QCNU and HDF were evaluated by determining the relative error associated with ANP and N1 to establish localized rates for accurately estimating leakage in water networks. Between 7 and 11% relative error was associated with every 1% higher or lower ANP while up to 4% relative error was observed for every step considered. A linear relationship exists between the relative error associated with both and ANP although that of ANP is twice as high as This has technical implications on setting water loss reduction targets and investing in the water infrastructure. It is recommended that water utilities must establish localized ANP and values for accurate leakage estimation in water networks.

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Sensitivity analysis accurately directs water-loss reduction interventions

Water e-Journal ◽

10.21139/wej.2020.025 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Edgar Johnson

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity Analysis ◽

Water Balance ◽

Water Loss ◽

Performance Indicators ◽

Water Distribution ◽

Distribution Networks ◽

Loss Reduction ◽

Efficiency Improvement ◽

Improvement Programs ◽

Selection Of

Water supply and delivery inefficiencies increase the overall costs of water distribution networks, which is ultimately paid for by the customer through increased water prices or by society through cross-subsidisation. The benefits of correctly identifying and implementing efficiency improvement programs in water networks generally outweigh their costs. The paper illustrates how the interrelationship between components of the water balance influences the derivation of water-loss performance indicators and directs the selection of loss reduction interventions. Data anomalies in one part of the balance will affect other parts due to the balance maintaining its equilibrium.

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Leakage estimation in developing country water networks based on water balance, minimum night flow and component analysis methods

Water Practice & Technology ◽

10.2166/wpt.2018.005 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 96-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

P. K. Amoatey ◽

R. Minke ◽

H. Steinmetz

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Water Balance ◽

Condition Factor ◽

Field Measurements ◽

Component Analysis ◽

Estimation Methods ◽

Water Networks ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

Analysis Methods ◽

Minimum Night Flow

Abstract Estimating leakage in developing countries’ water networks is challenging as accurate records are needed. Three leakage estimation methods were compared to ascertain which was most suitable for such networks. The factors accounting for the differences in application of these methods to water networks were also ascertained. The water balance and component analysis methods were compared with the modified minimum night flow (MNF) method. The MNF method was modified to make it suitable for networks in developing countries. In the comparison, leakage was estimated at 10 and 18%, respectively, against 11% for the modified MNF. The latter is considered the most suitable for developing countries as all parameters are determined or estimated from field measurements. It was realized that burst flow rates and the infrastructure condition factor used in the water balance and component analysis methods affect the accuracy of leakage estimates. This has implications for further research, as well as policy and practice for developing countries’ water utilities.

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Analysis of MNF and FAVAD Models for Leakage Characterization by Exploiting Smart-Metered Data: The Case of the Gorino Ferrarese (FE-Italy) District

Water ◽

10.3390/w13050643 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 643

Author(s):

Irene Marzola ◽

Stefano Alvisi ◽

Marco Franchini

Keyword(s):

Time Series ◽

Water Balance ◽

Water Consumption ◽

Distribution Systems ◽

Water Distribution ◽

Water Utilities ◽

Time Step ◽

Minimum Night Flow ◽

The Relationship ◽

District Metered Area

Leakages in water distribution systems have great economic and environmental impacts and are a major issue for water utilities. In this work, the water balance and the Minimum Night Flow (MNF) method for evaluating the amount of water loss, as well as the power and Fixed and Variable Area Discharge (FAVAD) equations for analyzing the relationship between leakage and pressure, were applied to a fully monitored District Metered Area (DMA) located in Gorino Ferrarese (FE, Italy). Time series of (a) the water consumption of each user, (b) the DMA inflow, and (c) the pressure at the DMA inlet point were monitored with a 5 min time step. The results of an analysis carried out by exploiting the collected time series highlighted that: (a) The application of the MNF method based on literature values can lead to significant inaccuracies in the presence of users with irregular consumption, and (b) the estimation of the parameters of the power and FAVAD equations is highly affected by the amounts and types of observed data used.

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Using performance indicators as a water loss management tool in developing countries

Journal of Water Supply Research and Technology—AQUA ◽

10.2166/aqua.2010.066 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 59 (8) ◽

pp. 471-481 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

H. Mutikanga ◽

S. Sharma ◽

K. Vairavamoorthy ◽

Enrique Cabrera

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Water Loss ◽

Performance Indicators ◽

Management Tool ◽

Water Loss Management

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Water loss control practices in developing countries: a case study of a Brazilian region

Water Science & Technology Water Supply ◽

10.2166/ws.2020.351 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aline Doria de Santi ◽

Tiago Balieiro Cetrulo ◽

Tadeu Fabrício Malheiros

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Water Loss ◽

Distribution System ◽

Water Utilities ◽

Operational Planning ◽

Control Performance ◽

Water Losses ◽

Loss Control ◽

Scientific Framework

Abstract The control of water loss in distribution system has been highlighted in multiple discussions in the field of water and sanitation. Still, there are few scientific studies on this topic focussed on loss control performance in developing countries. With the intention to expand the limited scientific framework investigating the management of water losses in economic scarcity scenarios, the paper provides an overview of which practices directed to water loss control are being conducted in a Brazilian region. The data has been collected from 42 water utilities and shows there is a direct relationship between the utilities' performance and the number of water loss practices adopted. The divergences in the number of practices applied by the water utilities may be influenced by technical-operational, planning and management factors. The paper brings greater robustness to the loss management debates in regions with economic scarcity, being able to support the action of utilities operating in similar scenarios.

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A method to improve population access to drinking water networks in cities of developing countries

Journal of Water Supply Research and Technology—AQUA ◽

10.2166/aqua.2001.0005 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 47-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thomas Tamo Tatiétsé ◽

Manuel Rodriguez

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Water Networks

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Sectorisation of looped water networks with electromagnetic water meters

Water Practice & Technology ◽

10.2166/wpt.2014.017 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 150-157

Author(s):

Koral Wojciech

Keyword(s):

Water Balance ◽

Water Networks ◽

Water Network ◽

Automatic Meter Reading ◽

Dead End ◽

Water Meters ◽

The Town

This paper describes the sectorisation of a water network, as operated by the water and sewage utility (PWiK Gliwice, Poland) with electromagnetic water-meters (battery powered). This solution allows supply of District Metered Areas (DMA) by a few points without ‘dead-end’ pipework and shows that the main problems of the Utility are small, hidden leaks. Additionally the paper describes a water balance for the town of Pyskowice (part of the Gliwice water network) where all water meters are read by radio (automatic meter reading – AMR).

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Theoretical Estimation of Energy Balance Components in Water Networks for Top-Down Approach

Water ◽

10.3390/w13081011 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1011

Author(s):

Surachai Lipiwattanakarn ◽

Suparak Kaewsang ◽

Natchapol Charuwimolkul ◽

Jiramate Changklom ◽

Adichai Pornprommin

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Water Loss ◽

Distribution Systems ◽

Minimum Energy ◽

Head Loss ◽

Water Networks ◽

Top Down ◽

Pressurized Water ◽

Simple Method ◽

Energy Balance Approach

The energy balance calculation for pressurized water networks is an important step in assessing the energy efficiency of water distribution systems. However, the calculation generally requires mathematical modelling of the water networks to estimate three important energy components: outgoing energy through water loss (El), friction energy loss (Ef) and energy associated with water loss (EWL). Based on a theoretical energy balance analysis of simplified pipe networks, a simple method is proposed to estimate El, Ef and EWL with minimum data requirements: input energy, water loss (WL) and head loss between the source and the minimum energy point (ΔH). By inclusion of the head loss in water networks into the estimation, the percentages of El and EWL are lower and higher, respectively, than using only the percentage of WL. The percentage of Ef can be a function of the percentage of ΔH. By demonstrating our analysis with the simulation results from the mathematical models of 20 real water networks, the proposed method can be used to effectively estimate El, Ef and EWL as a top-down energy balance approach.

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