Non-revenue water, or lost water from the distribution system via leaks, theft or mismanagement, can cause a lot of problems for municipal and district water utilities, businesses and the end consumer. According to WaterWorld Magazine, utilities lose 30-50% of non-revenue water through aging water infrastructure. Due to the size and scale of many water operations, it’s challenging to perform full maintenance checks. This leads to water pipes and distribution mains having excessive leaks.

Water is an invaluable resource that needs to be conserved. An EPA review on water audits and loss control published in 2013 stated that the U.S. will spend up to $200 billion on water systems over the next 20 years. $97 billion of that will be for water loss control. 

Thankfully, with advances in technology, leak detection has become more sophisticated and efficient for regular use. Let’s dive into why these systems are an essential development for the present and future of water and wastewater management. 

Why is Leak Detection Important?

Keeping water in the pipe is key to efficiency, cost-effectiveness, conservation and, most importantly, consumer health and safety. While a water audit may seem expensive up front, the savings in lost water and additional benefits heavily outweigh the cost.

  • Leak detection can help consumer health and safety. The end consumer should be a priority for all water and wastewater management systems. If allowed to continue for long periods, pipe leaks can lead to contamination to the consumer water supply. Raised water pressure can usually keep contaminants from entering the waterline, but a drop in pressure can result in an intake of harmful substances.

If your system struggles to keep up, you’re not alone. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2017 Report Card gave America’s drinking water infrastructure a D grade. Our entire nation’s piping system is getting old and outdated, with approximately 240,000 main breaks a year.

  • Large water leaks are bad for the environment. As we said in the introduction, water is a precious resource, and it needs to be used and distributed efficiently. Leaks that are undetected over long periods can result in road collapses and water-damaged homes, as well as water shortages for consumers. 

How Do Leak Detection Systems Work?

Leak detection relies on a variety of technology to pinpoint the location of water loss in the system. Traditional audits begin with determining how much water is lost. According to researchers at the EPA, the average amount of water loss across America is 16 percent.

However, if your city or county’s system is higher, it may be time to get a water audit. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a great way to see how much water your consumers are using versus how much you are pumping.

Acoustic leak detectors give technicians sound readings from direct contact to the water system. The point of contact can be from a fire hydrant to the mainline. The placement of the acoustic reader will be dependent upon your municipality or district’s system as the best method of detection will vary.

Once a noise is detected, the monitor sends the frequency of the sound back to the system operator’s computer. There, water service professionals will be able to get a better idea of how much water is lost and what step should be taken next. Looking through the algorithms will require advanced software or a person who is highly trained in acoustical water auditing to read the information.

Why Should You Should Use a Leak Detection System

Water system audits and leak detection systems can be expensive upfront, but the cost of water leaking out of your mains can add up quickly. Consulting with a team of experts to fix leaks in your system can help you to avoid relying on an aging water infrastructure. 

If you have any questions about your water loss in your system, contact the experts at Alliance Water Resources to help keep your water in the pipes and your water rates affordable!