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

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.

scholarly journals Estimating the Economic Level of Water Losses (ELWL) in the Water Distribution System of the City of Malang, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6604
Author(s):  
Tri Heryanto ◽  
Saroj K. Sharma ◽  
D. Daniel ◽  
Maria Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Water Loss ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Marginal Cost ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Economic Level ◽  
The City

All of the possible strategies to reduce water losses in piped distribution systems follow the law of diminishing returns: the higher the expenditure on water loss reduction, the lower the progressive return in terms of water saved. Therefore, water utilities need to estimate the economic level of water losses (ELWL) so that they can reduce their water loss to the level where the cost to reduce the water losses is equal to the value of the water saved. This paper aims to estimate the ELWL using four different methods: the total cost method, the marginal cost method, the cumulative cost–benefit method, and the component-based methods. This analysis is based on data (2011–2016) on the water utilities of the city of Malang (PDAM Kota Malang), Indonesia. It was found that the total cost and marginal cost methods gave almost similar results for ELWL. However, the total cost method is preferred to calculate ELWL because it is the most accurate, easier to apply, and does not need a long data series. In addition, the estimated ELWL for PDAM Kota Malang was 21.76%, which is 3.71% higher than the water loss level estimated in 2016, which means that their strategies to reduce water loss are not cost-efficient. Moreover, the lack of data is a major challenge in the estimation of ELWL in Indonesia. This study emphasizes the importance of estimating the ELWL so that water utilities, especially in Indonesia, can evaluate their strategies in reducing water loss and improving their cost-effectiveness.

scholarly journals Managing Apparent Loss and Real Loss from the Nexus Perspective Using System Dynamics

Water ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Seo Hyung Choi ◽  
Bongwoo Shin ◽  
Eunher Shin
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Water System ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Urban Water System ◽  
Apparent Loss

When water utilities establish water loss control programs, they traditionally focus on apparent loss rather than real loss when considering economic feasibility in the water sector. There is an urgent need for new management approaches that can address complex relationships and ensure the sustainability of natural resources among different sectors. This study suggests a novel approach for water utilities to manage water losses from the water-energy (WE) Nexus perspective. The Nexus model uses system dynamics to simulate twelve scenarios with the differing status of water loss and energy intensities. This analysis identifies real loss as one of the main causes of resource waste and an essential factor from the Nexus perspective. It also demonstrates that the energy intensity of each process in the urban water system has a significant impact on resource use and transfer. The consumption and movement of resources can be quantified in each process involved in the urban water system to distinguish central and vulnerable processes. This study suggests that the Nexus approach can strongly contribute to quantifying the use and movement of resources between water and energy sectors and the strategic formulation of sustainable and systematic water loss management strategies from the Nexus perspective.

scholarly journals Integrating water distribution system efficiency into the water conservation strategy for California: a Los Angeles perspective

Water Policy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1030-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kartiki S. Naik ◽  
Madelyn Glickfeld
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
High Data ◽  
Distribution Efficiency

Abstract Improving water management in California requires a transition from imported to local water resources used efficiently. To assess this transitional capacity of water retailers in metropolitan Los Angeles County, we focused on a key water management metric: the water distribution efficiency. We traced the evolution of water loss reduction policy and practices globally with emphasis on California. California Senate Bills 1420 and 555 mandate annual water auditing and reporting for urban water suppliers. We surveyed and evaluated ten water retailers' approaches to monitor and reduce losses. Four of ten sampled water retailers monitored real losses, averaging 3–4% of total water supplied. Only three of ten sampled water retailers employed leak detection technology. Of the six sampled retailers with annual pipe replacement strategies, four retailers followed inadequate rehabilitation schedules. Most of the sampled retailers monitor water losses in percent, which misrepresents the actual volume. While a necessary step, California water loss legislation relies on the American Water Works Association Water Audit software. Verifying reported data for randomly selected retailers can ensure high data quality. Small retailers are exempt from mandatory water loss monitoring, and they need state support and resource pooling to improve their water distribution efficiency.

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

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peace Korshiwor Amoatey ◽  
Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah ◽  
Maxwell Akosah-Kusi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Water Balance ◽  
Relative Error ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Loss Reduction ◽  
Water Networks ◽  
Minimum Night Flow ◽  
Leakage Exponent

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.

scholarly journals A Six Sigma Approach to Water Savings

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Ryland Cairns ◽  
Michael Macpherson
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Water Savings ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Six Sigma Approach

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of a six sigma approach to reducing water losses through a combination of water efficiency and leak detection on a private distribution system. The paper takes the form of a case study that investigates the implementation of water reduction strategy across an estate with 26 miles of potable water pipe and over 200 facilities. This incorporates methods developed in the water industry such as water loss reduction and water demand management. The paper demonstrates that large water savings could be made through adoption of a six sigma approach. The approach has the potential to be applied to a wide range of situations including sites with limited technology. This case study provides a useful source for Facilities Managers involved in the management of utilities to determine suitable water saving approaches and strategies for large estates with private water distribution networks.

Water Loss Assessment and Remediation in South and Southeast Asia

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Liemberger
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Loss Assessment ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
South And Southeast Asia ◽  
The World ◽  
High Level

One of the major challenges facing water utilities around the world but especially in Low and Middle Income Countries (LAMIC) is the high level of water losses either through physical losses (leakage) or commercial losses (customer meter under-registration and theft of water in various forms). This difference between the amount of water put into the distribution system and the amount of water billed to consumers is known as “Non-Revenue Water” (NRW). Levels of NRW in South and Southeast Asia are among the highest in the world. This paper will give an update of the general NRW situation in the various countries and the ongoing remediation measures.

scholarly journals A new approach to improve water loss control using smart metering data

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 618-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Loureiro ◽  
H. Alegre ◽  
S. T. Coelho ◽  
A. Martins ◽  
A. Mamade
Keyword(s):  
Water Loss ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Water Balance Components ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Consumption Data ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Loss Control ◽  
Water Uses ◽  
Background Leakage

The control of water losses is a major concern in the sustainability of urban water utilities and in promoting the efficient use of this natural resource. Recent advances in telemetry technology provide high-resolution consumption data at the consumer level, allowing for a remarkable knowledge improvement on the different water balance components. However, few studies focus on systematic approaches for improving system operation and maintenance by processing and analysing large amounts of consumption data. This paper presents a new methodology to calculate real losses and apparent losses in distribution networks using data collected from telemetry systems. The methodology proposes a set of algorithms that are simple to implement. These algorithms were tested on different district metered areas (DMA) to improve understanding about water loss components and have already been included in commercial software. The results showed that these algorithms are robust and allow for accurately estimating the background leakage level (and unreported leaks and bursts), detecting earlier the occurrence of bursts and providing important insights into the type of illegal water uses. The use of these approaches reduced non-revenue water by more than 10% in the majority of the DMA tested. These findings are promising and demonstrate the strong potential of telemetry systems to reduce water losses and to improve the understanding of water uses.

scholarly journals Monitoring Nonrevenue Water Performance in Intermittent Supply

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taha AL-Washali ◽  
Saroj Sharma ◽  
Fadhl AL-Nozaily ◽  
Mansour Haidera ◽  
Maria Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water System ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Individual System ◽  
System Input ◽  
Supply Time

Water utilities should monitor their nonrevenue water (NRW) levels properly to manage water losses and sustain water services. However, monitoring NRW is problematic in an intermittent water supply regime. This is because more supplied water to users imposes higher volumes of NRW, and supplying significantly less water results in an unmet water demand but interestingly less NRW. This study investigates the influence of the amount of water supplied to a distribution system on the reported level of NRW. The volume and indicators of NRW all vary with variations in the system input volume (SIV). This is even more critical for monitoring NRW for systems shifting from intermittent to continuous supply. To enable meaningful monitoring, the NRW volume should be normalised. Addressing that, this research proposes two normalisation approaches: regression analysis and average supply time adjustment. Analysis of the NRW performance indicators showed that regression analysis enables the monitoring of NRW and tracking its progression in an individual system only, but not for a comparison with other systems. For comparing (or benchmarking) a water system to other systems with different supply patterns, the average supply time adjustment should be used. However, this approach presents significant uncertainties when the average supply time is less than eight hours per day.

Food Purchases in a Five-Star Hotel: A Case Study of the Aquila Prambanan Hotel, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Telfer
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Food Purchases ◽  
Purchasing Patterns ◽  
Occupancy Rates ◽  
Agricultural Setting

Five-star hotels in developing countries are often presented as importing most of their food and having minimal contacts with the local economy, resulting in high leakages. This study of the Aquila Prambanan illustrates that, in a favourable agricultural setting with a good distribution system, it is possible for a five-star hotel to purchase most of its food locally. The food ordering process, purchasing patterns and purchasing network of the hotel are explored. A strong relationship was found to exist between food purchases and occupancy rates.

Utilizing analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for decision making in water loss management of intermittent water supply systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 534-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaher H. Zyoud ◽  
Hafez Shaheen ◽  
Subhi Samhan ◽  
Ayman Rabi ◽  
Firas Al-Wadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Intermittent Water Supply ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Supply Systems ◽  
Water Loss Management

Increasing water demands, in parallel with water scarcity, force water utilities in developing countries to follow complex operation techniques for the distribution of the available amounts of water. The reduction of water losses from water supply systems can help fill the gap between supply and demand. This strategy is characterized by the variety of options, and identification of the most appropriate option is a demanding process. An integrated multi-criteria decision making framework, precisely analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to prioritize water loss reduction options for a typical intermittent water supply network in Palestine. The AHP was applied to structure the decision problem into a hierarchy framework, and four groups of decision makers were engaged to evaluate the elements. The results show that the strategic plan, which comprises controlling and managing operational pressure, was the best option. The selection of this option was highly connected to the conditions of the case study and to the well-known advantages of this strategy to reduce losses. It is anticipated that the developed methodology will help water utilities to identify integrated water loss management plans that will guide utility managers to conduct better control for water losses.

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