Component analysis for optimal leakage management in Jordan

What is it about?

Non-revenue water (NRW) is a major challenge for urban water security in Jordan. Quantifying leakage and pinpointing the location of leaks are difficult tasks in intermittent supply systems. This study aims to provide a structured analysis to determine the volume of leakage and its components in Madaba's water distribution network. The study also offers recommendations to reduce the physical losses as an important component of water losses through an infrastructure, repair, economic, awareness and pressure (IREAP) framework as a way of systematically engaging the NRW challenge in Jordan. The real loss sub-components were analysed using Burst and Background Estimates (BABE), and field records of the failures in the network. The potential impact of interventions to reduce losses were measured for efficiency/efficacy by analysing pressure management, chronic leakage detection surveys and response time minimization. The findings showed that Madaba's NRW amounted to 3.5 million m3 in 2014, corresponding to a loss of 2.8 million USD to the utility, of which 1.7 million USD is the cost of real losses. The reported failures in Madaba accounted for 37.2% of the total volume of real losses which can be improved by enhancing response polices and asset management, while the unreported failures constituted 26.6 and 36.20%, respectively, which could be reduced by pressure management and active leakage control.

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Why is it important?

NRW Management is considered the cornerstone of proper utility management and relates to all the functional areas of administering a water supply and distribution network. Unfortunately, repairing and replacing pipes is costly. Therefore, utilities need to accurately pinpoint the most problematic areas of the distribution system so they can invest their limited infrastructure dollars where they are needed most. Water audits, which take into account both real and apparent losses, are the most efficient, cost-effective way to accurately assess non-revenue water. Indeed NRW is an extremely important aspect of the daily operations of a water utility which closely relates to its technical and financial efficiency and effectiveness.