Developing a framework for leakage target setting in water distribution networks from an economic perspective

Abstract

Leakage is one of the main sources of water loss in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs). Although a water utility intends to reduce the leakage to the minimum possible level, considering the high leakage reduction costs, an economic perspective of leakage control should be taken into account. In this paper, a field-data based methodology for estimating the Short-Run Economic Level of Leakage (SR-ELL) with respect to Active Leakage Control (ALC) activities is proposed. This methodology uses measured pressure and flows data for the estimation of different leakage levels and relevant performance indicators. The objective is to identify the target level of leakage in terms of the SR-ELL, using a marginal cost approach. Results of the sensitivity analysis are also presented to investigate the factors influencing SRELL. The methodology is applied to a large zone of WDN in the city of Mashhad, Iran. For this WDN, based on the current ALC policy and operating pressure, SRELL is estimated to be 27 m3/service connection/year. The results reveal that the SRELL is significantly affected by the operating pressure and infrastructure condition. The proposed methodology can be used by water utilities for having a clear strategy on their leakage control policies.