Water loss

Water loss is one of the main challenges in the industry and it is not new. The term refers to water that is produced and treated but never reaches the consumer, being lost along the distribution network.

Climate change and the extreme weather events related, such as droughts, intensify the impact of water loss for the population. For this reason, it is important that water utilities become water-efficient throughout the entire supply process.

Losses can be both real, when they come from underground leaks on water-mains and water service pipes, or apparent, which are due to customer meter inaccuracies, billing system data errors and unauthorized consumption.

In order to address this challenge, utility managers must develop a strategic direction to determine their best approach to reducing losses. The first step is to have accurate data regarding flow measurement into water distribution networks, and water pressure variance, as it can help managers locate leaks and identify how they can be stopped. Managers should also implement improved methods of water auditing and loss control, using tools like leak detection or hydraulic control.

The reduction of water losses positively impacts utilities due to the improved availability of water for revenue purposes. Every drop of water which enters the distribution network is previously treated, and the expense of purification is assumed by utilities. This means that inefficient and leaking distribution networks translate the cost entirely to utilities which have already paid for the purification of lost water.

In fact, the financial savings achieved when water loss is reduced have a positive impact on every part of the business, including operations, asset life, fieldwork and profitability. It also means that customers are more satisfied thanks to less service interruptions, improved water quality, and environmental excellence.

For these reasons, water utilities are increasingly turning their attention to this problem, and water loss control is being globally adopted. This includes efforts to reduce metering and billing errors, so that sufficient revenue is collected.

When addressing water loss, new technologies such as Big Data or Machine Learning are the perfect ally. Improving the hydric efficiency of distribution networks is at the cornerstone of the GoAigua technology solutions for the digital transformation of assets.