Water Loss Management Summary Sheets: 3. Sectorising and Step Testing

Sectorising is the process of splitting a large water reticulation system into smaller zones which can be individually monitored to help in the identification of water losses and other water related problems. The process of sectorising is well known as a critical element of any water loss reduction programme and has long been regarded as the starting point of any comprehensive water demand management strategy.

Water Loss Management Summary Sheets: 2. Pressure Management

While managing water pressures in a supply area is not simple and there are a great many issues to consider, the common factor in every system is the fact that leakage is driven by pressure and if the pressure is increased, the leakage will also increase. If the water pressure in a system can be reduced, even for a short period during times of low demand, the water leakage from the system will be reduced. Pressure has been recognised as the single most important issue to be considered when trying to reduce leakage from a water reticulation system.

Benchmarking of Leakage from Water Reticulation Systems in South Africa 2005

The BENCHLEAK model was developed to evaluate levels of leakage and non-revenue water in potable water distribution systems. The first study involved developing the model with a limited budget for checking the various data sets used to test the model. The main objective of the follow-on study was therefore to use the model to evaluate the levels of leakage in approximately 30 water utilities throughout South Africa.

Guidelines for Pressure Management

This document includes the results from eight pressure management pilot projects undertaken in South Africa, using the PRESMAC Pressure Management Program which has been developed for the South African Water Research Commission.

A Guide to the Control of Water Losses in Pipe Networks

Water lost from a water supply distribution network can account for a considerable percentage of the total volume of water supplied. As this loss is paid for by consumers, a reduction in the amount of water lost could lead to a decrease in water tariffs, smaller pipe sizes and reduced water purification capacity and a delay in the need for increased storage.