Losses in Water Distribution Networks

Globally, water demand is rising and resources are diminishing. Water loss from the distribution network has long been a feature of operations management, even in countries with a well-developed infrastructure and good operating practices. As well as leakage ('real' losses), there are other losses from the network (apparent losses) that can often be reduced by the introduction of a regulatory framework and customer metering and charging policies. Such programmes can run alongside initiatives to tackle leakage and improve the pipe network. Together, these programmes form a strategy for restoring a potentially huge lost resource.

Losses in Water Distribution Networks: A Practitioners Guide to Assessment, Monitoring and Control provides the key to developing a water loss strategy. It presents a diagnostic approach, followed by the implementation of solutions that are both practicable and achievable, and which can be applied to any water company, anywhere in the world to develop a water loss management strategy.

The aim of the book is to allow water network operators to:
.understand the significance and assess the scale of water loss components;
.quantify the volume of losses by measurement or estimation;
.become aware of the various techniques to monitor and control leakage;
.select the appropriate network management practices and equipment to support the techniques;
.develop a strategy for a particular network by considering the economic and other factors relevant to the local conditions and infrastructure;
.design a leakage management and control system appropriate to local conditions and constraints;
.be aware of the operation and maintenance and training requirements to sustain the policies and practices once in place.

Losses in Water Distribution Networks: A Practitioners Guide to Assessment, Monitoring and Control will be of interest to water network operators, consultants, and other industry practitioners who are about to embark on a water loss management programme, or who wish to review their existing procedures.