Real Water Loss Control
All water systems leak to some extent. Large main breaks garner most of the attention, but small, undetected, long-lived leaks (e.g. service line leaks; weeps and seeps at pipe joints; small, non-surfacing main line leaks) may result in a much higher volume of loss over time. On one hand, major leaks, or those that are easily discovered, are usually repaired quickly, resulting in repair expenses, downtime, and impacted customers which can be easily tracked. On the other hand, undetected leaks drain resources and revenue in the background and are harder to quantify.
A variety of tools are available to reduce “real water loss,” including pressure management, improved detection of leaks, asset management practices, and optimized repair. The first step towards reducing those losses is identifying the cause and extent of the real loss.
This section of the Water Loss Switchboard contains tools and resources focused on identifying and addressing real water losses.
Photo by: Philafrenzy (original image)
An Introduction to Strategies to Address Real Water Losses (Part 2)
This webinar will focus on the four methods of reducing real water loss: responding to known leaks faster, asset management, pressure management, and finding hidden leaks.
An Introduction to Strategies to Address Real Water Losses (Part 3)
This webinar will focus on strategically deploying water loss detection methodologies.
Asset Management Tools
Asset Management is a comprehensive management program that allows a system to also manage water loss. The tools listed here can be used throughout an Asset Management Program.
AWWA Free Water Audit Software Versions 5.0 (2014) and 6.0 (2020)
The IWA/AWWA Water Audit Method provides the best management practice tools and guidance water utilities need to efficiently manage their supplies.
Break Rate Index
This Break Rate Analysis Tool was developed by the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC) to compare annual main breaks from your system to the US/Canadian average break rates for 7 pipe materials.
Guidance on Implementing an Effective Water Loss Control Plan – Report and Webcast
WRF hosted a webcast on project 4695, Guidance on Implementing an Effective Water Loss Control Plan which will help water utilities assess their current water loss situation, develop targets for water loss control programs, identify various intervention approaches, estimate costs and benefits of potential interventions, and develop a “roadmap” for preparing a water loss control program.
How to Save Water at Home
A practical, step-by-step guide for reducing water use in your home.
Leak Detection: Technology and Implementation
Effective leak detection can be an important part of a real water loss control program. Not sure how to get started? A comprehensive, open-access guide to leak detection technology and implementation is available to download at no cost. Use the link below to access the document or click through for an in-depth description of the eBook.
Leak Repair Data Collection Guide
WEB TOOL 05/30/2014. The Leak Repair Data Collection Guide is an open-source MS Office Excel spreadsheet designed to aid the industry in collecting consistent failure data.
Leakage Component Analysis Model
WEB TOOL 05/30/2014. The Leakage Component Analysis (LCA) Model was developed to provide the water industry with a computer-based model for leakage component analysis, failure frequency analysis, economic leakage control intervention strategy evaluation, and display of key water loss performance indicators.
M6 Water Meters: Selection, Installation, Testing and Maintenance (5th Edition)
M6 provides a complete practice manual on types, selection, use, and maintenance of water meters for water service.
Real Loss Component Analysis: A Tool for Economic Water Loss Control
WRF REPORT #4372A 05/30/2014. The Real Loss Component Analysis Tool was developed by the Water Resource Foundation to assist systems performing water audits with next-level analysis relating to their real losses.
Utilizing Smart Water Networks to Manage Pressure and Flow to Reduce Water Loss and Extend Useful Life of Pipes
WRF Project #4917 (in progress). This research project will utilize smart water network solutions to help water utilities better manage pressures and flows in their water distribution networks to extend the life of the piping network and reduce water loss. Ongoing updates are published to the website.
Water Loss Control Toolkit
Table listing types of loss, tools to help reduce the loss, and a cost range.