Development and Implementation of a Novel Assessment System for Water Utilities in Strategic Water Loss Management

Abstract

Numerous methods and tools have been proposed to manage water losses in water distribution systems. These methods generally involve time-consuming and costly processes. Since the dynamic structure of each system is different, the applicability of the methods should be analyzed before applying the methods. In this study, a novel system is developed to analyze the current condition of utility and to assess the data quality and current implementation level of water loss management (WLM) practices. This system consists of a total of 144 WLM components under eight main categories. Pilot utilities are selected to test the feasibility of the developed model and analyze its behavior in the field. Weaknesses and strengths within the scope of WLM are defined separately for each utility. It was understood that the model developed takes into account the dynamic structure of each utility, is applicable in the field, and presents the current condition in a realistic way. It is thought that the developed model will create a reference, especially for practitioners and decision makers in the field, and will provide important benefits in the scope of WLM.