Investigation of Water Losses in Water Supply System: Muscat as a Case Study

Manal M. Al-Bulushi,Maha M. Al Sulti,Mohammed F.M. Abushammala,M. Raza Ul Mustafa,N. Zulaikha Bt Yusof,M. Latheef,I. Bin Othman,D. Bayu Endrayana

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201820307004

Abstract

One of the problems affecting water supply systems in Oman is the problem of water loss and Non-Revenue Water (NRW). The aim of this research is to carry out water auditing for Al Seeb water distribution network as a case study to estimate the water losses, NRW, water balance, and the resulting financial and operational impacts. Annual data on water supplies, water consumption, system data, and cost data for the years from 2010 to 2014 was collected from the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) and the analysis was done using the American Water Works Association (AWWA) audit software to determine water losses including real and apparent losses, NRW, water balance, and the cost. The results indicated that the average of apparent loss, real loss, and NRW from 2010 to 2014 was approximately 19.5%, 21%, and 40 % respectively. It was estimated that the average annual cost of NRW between the years 2010 and 2014 was approximately 9.4 million USD, which was approximately 33% of the total revenue budget. In conclusion, there is a need for the development of water management systems to provide the best management practice system to further minimize NRW problems in Oman.

Highlights

Water is an invaluable source for human life and for all the living forms in this universe
The percentage values of real losses are high as apparent losses which might be refer to the leaks in transmission and distribution pipelines, overflow of water from reservoirs and water tanks, and leaks in house connections
The current study investigated the problem of water losses and non-revenue water (NRW) in Sultanate of Oman involving Al Seeb Wilayat water supply system as a case study

Summary

Introduction

Water is an invaluable source for human life and for all the living forms in this universe. The water supply utilities should fulfil the water condition quantitatively and qualitatively. According to Petroulias et al [2] and as per the definition of International Water Association (IWA), the non-revenue water (NRW) represents the difference among the volume of water that enters the network and the volume of water authorized for consumption (revenue water). In Oman, water supply utilities are still run by a government authority, namely, Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW). According to the PAEW, the water systems in Muscat face a several of difficulties such as low scope, low administration levels, issues with pressure driven plans, high NRW, visit pipeline blasts, issues with charging and gathering of income, and flawed water meters

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion