Assessment of water losses in distribution networks: Methods, applications, uncertainties, and implications in intermittent supply

Taha AL-Washali*, Saroj Sharma, Robert Lupoja, Fadhl AL-Nozaily, Mansour Haidera, Maria Kennedy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

46 Citations (Scopus)
163 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Reducing all water loss components to zero is neither technically possible nor economically viable. The water loss components should be accurately assessed and prioritised for a reduction. This paper investigates all methods that break down the water losses in distribution networks into apparent and real losses. Their accuracies and uncertainties are discussed and applications to three case studies in developing countries are presented. The results show that different methods estimate the water loss components differently. Consequently, different reduction measures are planned and prioritised. Interestingly, the least accurate methods have a low level of uncertainty, but more realistic assumptions yield higher uncertainties. This suggests that the uncertainty analysis only assists in improving the outputs of each of the methods but does not demonstrate their accuracy. The cost of water loss varies depending on the used assessment method and the economic feasibility of the reduction measures is significantly influenced. The water loss components should therefore be assessed for the whole network using at least two methods to reasonably model and monitor the loss reduction in water distribution networks.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104515
Number of pages11
JournalResources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume152
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Apparent losses
  • Intermittent supply
  • Leakage
  • Real losses
  • Water balance
  • Water loss

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