A Comprehensive Approach to Leak Detection

A Comprehensive Approach to Leak Detection

Real Water Loss: A Real Issue for Water Utilities Every day, water utilities lose billions of gallons of water designated for public use. In many areas of the United States, the scarcity of water resources has increased water loss control awareness, and dramatically escalated the importance and costs associated with real water loss. Real Water Loss is AWWA Water Audit terminology used to describe physical losses in a water distribution system, through cracks, splits, holes, joints, and fittings on service connections, transmission lines and tank overflows. Leak Detection strategy and practice is an effective technique in the identification of real water loss, and an ongoing leak detection program can help utilities recover up to 75 percent of water lost in their systems. 1 Real Water Loss not only affects customer delivery but can be a financial drain on utilities. Over the next 20 years $97 billion will be needed for water loss control in the United States.2 $97 billion will be needed in the next 20 years for water loss control in the United States bills are viewed negatively by the public and hurt the utilities reputation. Regulation Select states regulatory bodies are beginning to implement regulations that require the preparation and submission of water audits. In some of the more progressive states, validation of water audits is necessary, requiring a third party entity to substantiate the data. The drivers behind this increasingly regulated industry include supply constraints such as drought, and the state of aging infrastructure. Taking the Steps to Successfully Reduce Real Water Loss TTraditional methods of leak detection employing the use of standard external leak detection tools such as electronic listening devices, correlators and ground microphones are effective on pipes 16 inches in diameter and smaller, with results being less accurate or reliable on large diameter pipes. To successfully manage real water loss on all sizes of pipe a combined approach using both inline and external leak detection should be employed.. Why Should You Reduce Your Real Water Loss? Supply Interruptions to the water supply from natural causes such as drought, or from operational challenges due to construction, burst mains, or poorly maintained infrastructure, can compromise a utility s ability to ensure that the water supply is delivered in a consistent and safe manner Financial Implications Losing water due to leaks has a heavy financial impact on utilities especially for those with a water supply purchased through other utilities or wholesalers. Smaller, subsurface leaks can go unnoticed for a long time, and larger leaks can result in high volumes of water loss and extensive collateral damage. Both incidences can prove costly to utilities. Public Perception Visible leaks can harm a utilities reputation, particularly when there are supply issues as mentioned above. Interruption to service, visible leaks during times of drought and high water Utilities can recover up to 75% of their water loss with an ongoing leak detection program Ensuring successful reduction of real water loss means utilities should follow a two-step process of Assess and Address. This includes determining where to prioritize leak detection efforts and implementing a leak detection program using the tools and technologies that will give the best ROI and those which are best suited to meet your utility s specific needs. Assess Understanding your water system is key to knowing how to proceed with a leak detection program or project. The following information will help influence which technologies and solutions that will best suit your system; Pipe Size Pipe Material Asset Inventory Current Water Loss (NRW or ILI) Water Main Break History Leak Detection and/or Condition Assessment History High Consequence of Failure and Likelihood of Failure Most Recent Water Audit and Validity Score 1 Thornton, J., Sturm, R., Kunkel, G., Water Loss Control Manual (2nd Edition), McGraw Hill, 2008. 2 http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-04/documents/epa816f13002.pdf http://www.wachswaterservices.com I 2

Once this information is assessed, the optimal external and/ or inline leak detection solutions can be determined to best suit the utility s water system and water loss reduction goals. Address Compared to external leak detection, inline leak detection gives utilities the highest return on investment. Inline leak detection is performed on pipes with a higher consequence of failure, where the financial and social repercussions from large leaks can be high and have a much bigger impact on real water loss. However, depending on the information gathered from the Assess phase, other tools and technologies can be applied to help reduce water lost from undetected leaks. Water Savings Increased Public Confidence Recovered Revenue Improved Level of Service Better Operational Efficiency Extended Useful Life Increased Confidence in Water Loss Assess Prioritize Plan Address Inline Leak Detection External Leak Detection Asset Inventory Leak Detection Technologies Inline Leak Detection Inline leak detection technologies can accurately detect and locate leaks on transmission mains of all materials and diameters leaks which have a much higher consequence of failure and a big impact on water loss volumes. Inline leak detection technologies include: Tethered leak detection technology that is capable of locating very small leaks typically within 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) of their actual location. The tool also features inline video that allows operators to observe internal pipe conditions. Free-swimming inspection technology designed to operate in a live pipeline. A foam ball is equipped with an instrument-filled aluminum alloy core capable of detecting and locating very small leaks and gas pockets with very high accuracy. External Leak Detection External leak detection technologies includes digital correlators, digital noise loggers, and ultra-sensitive sonic listening devices. External leak detection is challenged by a variety of factors, as the pipe wall is used as a transmission medium for the sound, as opposed to the water column. Therefore, selecting the most appropriate tool and methodology, is essential to overcoming restraints such as pipe diameter, pipe material, availability of access points, operational pressures and volume of the leak. Acoustic Listening Devices Survey tool for initial system sweep and the localization of potential leak sounds Make direct contact with access points. (All appurtenances must be sounded on non-metallic pipes to ensure complete coverage Acoustic Noise Loggers Identifies zones of high leakage (hotspots) in a system Identification of problematic zones in the system Prioritize leak detection activities http://www.wachswaterservices.com I 3

Leak Correlators Assist in pinpointing the location of a potential leak sound identified during the initial survey phase Analyzes leak sounds and frequencies. Filtering functions can differentiate between background noises and an actual leak sound. Ground Microphones Listen on the surface of the ground to verify the location of a potential leak indicated by a correlator Used as a survey tool when pipeline appurtenances are unavailable Hydrophones Hydrophones can also be used in conjunction with a correlator. These are sensors inserted into a pipeline appurtenance such as a fire hydrant or any available tap, and make contact with the water column. They offer a higher resolution solution for non-metallic pipe and pipes up to approximately 20. Asset Inventory Mobile GIS platforms provide an inventory and digital assessments of a utility s assets to ensure increased control over the system. This allows operators to have increased control and efficiency over their system and gives confidence that the system will perform in an emergency situation. Submeter GPS Validates or updates asset features in GIS Project Tracker Work validation Real-time project progress Documentation of asset defects and mapping discrepancies Documentation of leaks Client interface Automated reporting GIS deliverables Visual Inspections Asset condition/defects Return on Investment Combining these leak detection services can add distinctive value for your utility and will increase your return on investment in every situation. ROI COF & LOF Eliminates Blind Spots Prioritization Inline Leak Detection Asset Inventory ROI Reduces water loss Eliminates Blind Spots External Leak Detection ROI Reduces water loss + control + confident http://www.wachswaterservices.com I 4

An ongoing leak detection program can have a large impact on real water loss. Leak detection data gathered from an ongoing leak detection project demonstrates that savings over two years can reach nearly half a million dollars from water saved alone. Inspection Year Inspection Length (ft) Inspection Length Miles Number of Leaks Located Gallons Saved (Millions) Project Costs ($1.67 per 1000) New Water Sources ($2 per 1000) $ SAVINGS 2014 82004 15.53 27 39.01 65,146.70 78,020.00 12,873.30 2015 36892 6.99 14 1405.15 2,346,600.50 2,810,300.00 463,699.50 118896 22.52 41 1444.16 2,411,747.20 2,888,320.00 476,572.80 Wachs Water Services and Pure Technologies In 2015 Wachs Water Services joined the Pure Technologies team, and together have over 20 years of leak detection experience on distribution and transmission systems, small and large diameter pipe size, and using inline and external leak detection technologies. *Wachs Water Services has inspected over 10,000 miles of water mains Highly trained field technicians have successfully inspected over 10,000 miles of water mains. In addition Wachs Water Services is the industry leader in valve and hydrant control having assessed over 250,000 hydrants and 850,000 valves. Pure Technologies inline leak detection tools have surveyed over 7000 miles of transmission mains, discovering over 6,500 leaks. Proprietary technologies include the SmartBall and Sahara leak and gas pocket tools, some of the only technologies available that can inspect pressure pipes while still in operation. Wachs Water Services has more than a decade of experience with multiple technologies and techniques for water main external leak detection, including specialized correlators, noise loggers, and ultra-sensitive sonic listening devices. * Pure Technologies has surveyed over 7,000 miles of transmission mains, discovering over 6,500 leaks http://www.wachswaterservices.com I 5

Wachs Water Services Leak Detection Toolbox Wachs Water Services has the technologies and expertise to inspect all aspects of your water system, regardless of pipeline diameter, material or environment. Inline Leak Detection Solutions Applications Benefits Sahara SmartBall 8 & up Transmission Mains All Materials Detects leaks in all pipe materials Inspection on high consequence = ROI High Resolution = High Consequence Positively impacts water loss External Leak Detection Solutions Applications Benefits Loggers Correlators Hydrophones Ground Mics Electronic Listening Devices 16 & under Distribution system Affordable Efficient results Low resolution Responsive Narrows down blind spots Positively impacts water loss Prioritization Asset Inventory Applications Benefits Applications Benefits All Help identify & prioritize high COF + LOF pipes to inspect Valves Hydrants Control over your system Confidence in operability Help prioritize budget Maintains your system Ensures successful leak detection http://www.wachswaterservices.com I 6

Conclusion Every single day, as much as 5.9 billion gallons per day (22.3 billion litres per day) of water is lost due to leakage, poor accounting and other unbilled consumption in the United States alone. 3 This is mostly due to leaky, aging pipes and outdated systems which are wasting an estimated 14-18% of the nation s daily water use. 4 Each day, as much as 5.9 billion gallons of water is lost due to leaks and unbilled consumption in the United States alone. As communities around the globe are facing increasing water rates, it is important for utilities to take a proactive approach to reducing real water loss. This is especially true for utilities facing drought and inadequate supply. By managing your assets using Wachs Water Services leak detection toolbox, utilities can confidently reduce water loss and increase their return on investment, saving not only water, but money too. 3 http://www.cnt.org/media/cnt_caseforfixingtheleaks.pdf 4 CNT, The Case for Fixing Leaks, CNT, 18 Nov 2013 http://www.wachswaterservices.com I 7