Water Loss Control in Effective Utility Management

Water Loss Control in
Effective Utility Management
M. Steve Cavanaugh, Jr., PE
steve.cavanaugh@cavanaughsolutions.com
Feb 22, 2017

 Be Financially
Viable/Fiscally Prudent
 Optimize Financial
Resources for Operational
Support of Existing Assets
from “Source to Tap”
 Provide Quality Service
 Prioritize Asset
Management to Support
Effective CIP
 Report Online, Near
Real-Time KPIs via
Dashboard to Support
Management Decision
Making
 Encourage Team
Ownership
Source: Arcadis
Strategic Planning/Core Values include
Relevant Goals and Objectives for NRW Management

Quiz
According to the AWWA M36 Water Audit
Method, an acceptable level of Unaccounted For
Water is:
A. 15%
B. 10%
C. 5%
D. 0%

Drought is Real January 19, 2016

Drought is RealFebruary 16, 2016

Drought is Real March 22, 2016

Drought is Real April 26, 2016

Drought is Real August 23, 2016

Drought is Real October 27, 2016

#48 Enterprise Risk Profile Assessment Factors (Table 10)
Impact on Bond Ratings
* final review, expected publication – December 2015

States are moving very quickly

33 States are reviewing their
Water Loss Control reporting
Requirements. Most are
reconsidering failed % based
performance targets

No water loss
reporting
Rudimentary
water loss
reporting
AWWA M36
terminology &
metrics
AWWA
M36
software
AWWA M36 software
with validation
(Level 1)
WA
OR
TX
WI
MN
IL IN
WV
MD
PA
NH
TN
GA
FL
CA
NM
MO
KY
VA
NC
SC
NY
OH
ID
NV
UT
AZ
MT
OK
WY
CO
ND
SD
NE
KS
IA
MI
ME
MA
ALMS
AR
LA
AK
HI
DE
NJ
CT
RI
DRBC

27
Phase 1
Establish Annual M36
Water Auditing
Achieve Minimum
Standard of Audit
Reliability
Manage Water Loss
Performance for Long-
Term Reduction
Phase 2 Phase 3
Auditing
Outreach
Training &
Tech Asst
Data
Manage-
ment
Validation
Certification
Benchmarking
Improvement
Statewide Data Validity
Statewide Water Loss
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
Resource Management Grade C Resource Management Grade B Resource Management Grade A
Establish annual M36 Water
Auditing for all utilities
Educate Regulatory
Community on M36 Method
and appropriate use of
performance indicators
Establish Statewide Water
Loss Control Committee
Develop State Manual and
Training Framework
Provide extended, progressive
training to utilities (funded)
Develop and implement data
management system
Establish posting system and
communication protocols
Establish minimum standards of
validation for quality assurance
Determine by Agency or 3rd Party
Establish validation program until
certification program is in place
Design and implement a
Certified Water Audit program
for sustained quality control
Statewide Water Loss Control
Committee provides support
Suite of Performance and
Process Measures
System specific improvement
over time in a cost-effective
manner
No universal targets
Excessive thresholds
established
Annual audit submission
threshold exceedances
System specific progress
review at designated
regulatory touchpoints
Statewide Water Loss Management Program – Model Implementation

28
Phase 1
Water Auditing
Achieve Minimum
Standard of Audit
Reliability
Manage Water Loss
Term Reduction
Phase 2 Phase 3
Auditing
Outreach
Training &
Tech Asst
Data
Manage-
ment
Validation
Certification
Benchmarking
Improvement
Educate Regulatory
Training Framework
management system
Process Measures
manner
established

VALIDATION
LEVEL
DEFINITION
self-reported
• Water audits have not been validated
• Water audit accuracy/reliability is not well understood
1
• Validated water audits have been examined for errors evident in summary
data and application of methodology
• The data validity grades assigned to inputs accurately reflect utility practices
2
• Validated water audits have been corroborated with investigations of raw
data and archived reports of instrument accuracy
• The best sources of data to inform the water audit have been identified
3
• Validated water audits have been bolstered by field tests of instrument
accuracy
• Minimum night flow analysis and/or pilot leak detection supplement the
water audit

focus: accurate assignment of data validity grades
correct application of audit methodology
GOALS: confirm interpretation of methodology
identify evident errors
assign correct data validity grades
OUTCOMES: correct data validity grades
recommendations for higher-level validation activity
LIMITATIONS: does not correct errors in raw data
does not study instrument performance

32
Phase 1
Water Auditing
Achieve Minimum
Standard of Audit
Reliability
Manage Water Loss
Term Reduction
Phase 2 Phase 3
Auditing
Outreach
Training &
Tech Asst
Data
Manage-
ment
Validation
Certification
Benchmarking
Improvement
Educate Regulatory
Training Framework
management system
Process Measures
manner
established

Wisconsin Pilot
6 systems, 6 months
Colorado Pilot
50 systems, 3 months
New Mexico Full Scale
Georgia Full Scale
230 systems, 5 years (and counting)
California Full Scale
460 systems, 2 years
Utah Pilot
20 systems, 6
months
North & South Carolina Pilot

Water Loss Control
Industry Best Practices
And Available Tools
Part 2 – Digging in

AWWA M36 Methodology – State of the Art Water
Auditing & Loss Control
Water Audit Report for:
Reporting Year:
All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR
WATER SUPPLIED
Volume from own sources: Million gallons (US)/yr (MG/Yr)
Master meter error adjustment (enter positive value):
Water imported: MG/Yr
Water exported: MG/Yr
WATER SUPPLIED: 0.000 MG/Yr
.
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
Billed metered: MG/Yr
Billed unmetered: MG/Yr
Unbilled metered: MG/Yr Pcnt: Value:
Unbilled unmetered: 0.000 MG/Yr 1.25% 24061
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: 0.000 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) 0.000 MG/Yr
Apparent Losses Pcnt: Value:
Unauthorized consumption: 0.000 MG/Yr 0.25%
Customer metering inaccuracies: 0.000 MG/Yr
Systematic data handling errors: MG/Yr
Apparent Losses: 0.000
Real Losses (Current Annual Real Losses or CARL)
Real Losses = Water Losses - Apparent Losses: 0.000 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES: 0.000 MG/Yr
NON-REVENUE WATER
NON-REVENUE WATER: 0.000 MG/Yr
= Total Water Loss + Unbilled Metered + Unbilled Unmetered
SYSTEM DATA
Length of mains: miles
Number of active AND inactive service connections:
Connection density: conn./mile main
Average length of customer service line: ft
Average operating pressure: psi
COST DATA
Total annual cost of operating water system: $/Year
Customer retail unit cost (applied to Apparent Losses):
Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses): $/Million gallons
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Financial Indicators
Non-revenue water as percent by volume of Water Supplied:
Non-revenue water as percent by cost of operating system:
Annual cost of Apparent Losses:
Annual cost of Real Losses:
Operational Efficiency Indicators
Apparent Losses per service connection per day: gallons/connection/day
Real Losses per service connection per day*: gallons/connection/day
Real Losses per length of main per day*: gallons/mile/day
Real Losses per service connection per day per psi pressure: gallons/connection/day/psi
Unavoidable Annual Real Losses (UARL): Not Valid
From Above, Real Losses = Current Annual Real Losses (CARL): 0.00
* only the most applicable of these two indicators will be calculated
WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE:
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION:
1: Billed metered
2: Customer metering inaccuracies
3: Total annual cost of operating water system
*** UARL cannot be calculated as either average pressure, number of connecions or length of mains is too small: SEE UARL DEFINITION ***
Enter a percentage less
than 10% in the red cell
(J42), or select 'Value'
option
Based on the information provided, audit accuracy can be improved by addressing the following components:
Add a grading value for 9 parameter(s) to enable an audit score to be calculated
Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) [CARL/UARL]:
Default option selected for unauthorized consumption - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed
Default option selected for Unbilled unmetered - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed
AWWA WLCC Free Water Audit Software: Reporting Worksheet
<< Enter grading in column 'E'
MG/Yr
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Back to Instructions
Please enter data in the white cells below. Where available, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailable please estimate a value. Indicate your confidence in the accuracy
of the input data by grading each component (1-10) using the drop-down list to the left of the input cell. Hover the mouse over the cell to obtain a description of the grades
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(pipe length between curbstop and
customer meter or property boundary)
Use buttons to select
percentage of water supplied
OR
value
?Click here:
for help using option
buttons below
For more information, click here to see the Grading Matrix worksheet
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Copyright © 2010, American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.
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WAS v4.2
1991 1999 2006 2009 2014 20172010 20162003 2015
Water Audit Report for: Philadelphia Water Department
Reporting Year:
ALL VOLUMES TO BE ENTERED AS ANNUAL QUANTITIES
WATER SUPPLIED
Volume from own sources: M 95,526.0 million gallons (US) per year
Master meter error adjustment: M 695.4 million gallons (US) per year
Water Imported: M 0.0 million gallons (US) per year
Water Exported: M 7,210.2 million gallons (US) per year
.
WATER SUPPLIED: . 89,011.2 million gallons (US) per year
.
.
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION .
Billed metered: M 57,535.2 million gallons (US) per year
Billed unmetered: M 0.0 million gallons (US) per year
Unbilled metered: M 179.3 million gallons (US) per year
Unbilled unmetered: E 693.6 million gallons (US) per year
.
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: . 58,408.1 million gallons (US) per year
.
.
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) . 30,603.1 million gallons (US) per year
.
Apparent Losses .
Unauthorized consumption: E 1,145.2 million gallons (US) per year
Customer metering inaccuracies: E 162.5 million gallons (US) per year
Data handling errors: E 2,751.2 million gallons (US) per year
Apparent Losses: . 4,058.9 million gallons (US) per year
Real Losses .
Real Losses (Water Losses - Apparent Losses): . 26,544.2 million gallons (US) per year
.
WATER LOSSES: . 30,603.1 million gallons (US) per year
.
.
NON_REVENUE WATER .
NON-REVENUE WATER: . 31,476.0 million gallons (US) per year
.
SYSTEM DATA .
.
Length of mains: M 3,160.0 miles
Number of active AND inactive service connections: M 548,289
Connection density: . 174 conn./mile main
Average length of private pipe: E 12.0 ft
.
Average operating pressure: E 55.0 psi
.
COST DATA .
.
Total annual cost of operating water system: M $167,604,000 $/Year
Customer retail unit cost (applied to apparent losses): M $3.95
Variable production cost (applied to real losses): M $133.58 $/million gallons (US)
DATA REVIEW - Please review the following information and make changes above if necessary:
- Input values should be indicated as either measured or estimated. You have entered:
12 as measured values
6 as estimated values
0 without specifying measured or estimated
- It is important to accurately measure the master meter - you have entered the measurement type as: measured
- Cost Data: No problems identified
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Financial Indicators
Non-revenue water as percent by volume: 35.4%
Non-revenue water as percent by cost: 11.7%
Annual cost of Apparent losses: $16,012,518
Annual cost of Real Losses: $3,545,768
Operational Efficiency Indicators
Apparent losses per service connection per day: 20.28 gallons/connection/day
Real losses per service connection per day*: 132.64 gallons/connection/day
Real losses per length of main per day*: N/A
Real losses per service connection per day per psi pressure: 2.41 gallons/connection/day/psi
Unavoidable Annual Real Losses (UARL): 5.98 million gallons/day
12.17
* only the most applicable of these two indicators will be calculated
AWWA WLCC Water Audit Software: Reporting Worksheet
Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) [Real Losses/UARL]:
2004
under-registered
$/1000 gallons (US)
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Back to Instructions
Please enter data in the white cells below. Where possible, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailable please estimate a value.
Indicate this byselecting a choice from the grayboxto the left, where M = measured (or accuratelyknown value) and E = estimated.
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(pipe length between curbstop
and customer meter or property
Copyright © 2006, American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.
M36
1st Ed.
Reporting Year:
PLEASE CHOOSE REPORTING UNITS FROM THE INSTRUCTIONS SHEET BEFORE ENTERING DATA
Master Meter Error Adjustments
WATER SUPPLIED Pcnt: Value:
Volume from own sources:
Water imported:
Water exported:
Enter negative % or value for under-registration
WATER SUPPLIED: 0.000 Enter positive % or value for over-registration
.
Billed metered:
Billed unmetered:
Unbilled metered: Pcnt: Value:
Unbilled unmetered: 0.000 1.25% 24061
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: 0.000
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) 0.000
Unauthorized consumption: 8 0.000 0.25%
Customer metering inaccuracies: 5 0.000 1.00%
Systematic data handling errors: 4 0.000 0.25%
Apparent Losses: 0.000
Real Losses = Water Losses - Apparent Losses: 0.000
WATER LOSSES: 0.000
NON-REVENUE WATER
NON-REVENUE WATER: 0.000
= Water Losses + Unbilled Metered + Unbilled Unmetered
SYSTEM DATA
Length of mains:
Number of active AND inactive service connections:
Service connection density:
Select...
Average length of customer service line:
Average operating pressure:
COST DATA
Total annual cost of operating water system: $/Year
Customer retail unit cost (applied to Apparent Losses):
Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses): $/
WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE:
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION:
Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop or property line?
AWWA Free Water Audit Software:
Reporting Worksheet
<< Please enter system details and contact information on the Instructions tab >>
Based on the information provided, audit accuracy can be improved by addressing the following components:
<----------- Enter grading in column 'E' and 'J' ---------->
Default option selected for unauthorized consumption - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed
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Please enter data in the white cells below. Where available, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailable please estimate a value. Indicate your confidence in the accuracy of
the input data by grading each component (1-10) using the drop-down list to the left of the input cell. Hover the mouse over the cell to obtain a description of the grades
?
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(length of service line, beyond the property
boundary, that is the responsibility of the utility)
percentage of water
supplied
OR
?Click here:
buttons below
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+ Click to add a comment
WAS v5.0
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American Water Works Association.
Copyright © 2014, All Rights Reserved.
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+ Use Customer Retail Unit Cost to value real losses
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BETA TEST v1
Reporting Year:
System Attributes:
Apparent Losses:
+ Real Losses:
= Water Losses:
Unavoidable Annual Real Losses (UARL):
Annual cost of Apparent Losses:
Annual cost of Real Losses: Valued at Variable Production Cost
Performance Indicators:
Non-revenue water as percent by volume of Water Supplied:
Non-revenue water as percent by cost of operating system: Real Losses valued at Variable Production Cost
Apparent Losses per service connection per day:
Real Losses per service connection per day:
Real Losses per length of main per day*:
Real Losses per service connection per day per meter (head) pressure:
From Above, Real Losses = Current Annual Real Losses (CARL):
* This performance indicator applies for systems with a low service connection density of less than 32 service connections/mile of pipeline
Return to Reporting Worksheet to change this assumpiton
System Attributes and Performance Indicators
********** REPORTING UNITS MUST BE SELECTED ON THE INSTRUCTIONS WORKSHEET BEFORE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS CAN BE DISPLAYED **********
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WAS v5.0
Financial:
Operational Efficiency:
BETA TEST v1
AWWA Audit
Software v1
AWWA Audit
Software v4
AWWA Compiler for
large audit sets WRF Real Loss
Component Analysis
Model
~7,000 downloads to date of
AWWA Audit Software v5
AWWA Audit
Software v5
M36
2nd Ed.
M36
3rd Ed.
M36
4th Ed.

AWWA Free Water Audit Software
Reporting Year:
All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR
Master Meter Error Adjustments
WATER SUPPLIED Pcnt: Value:
Volume from own sources: 5 1,000.000 MG/Yr 1 MG/Yr
Water imported: MG/Yr MG/Yr
Water exported: 1 100.000 MG/Yr 9 MG/Yr
Enter negative % or value for under-registration
WATER SUPPLIED: 825.000 MG/Yr Enter positive % or value for over-registration
.
Billed metered: 8 700.000 MG/Yr
Billed unmetered: 9 50.000 MG/Yr
Unbilled metered: MG/Yr Pcnt: Value:
Unbilled unmetered: 9 10.313 MG/Yr 1.25% MG/Yr24061
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: 760.313 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) 64.688 MG/Yr
Unauthorized consumption: 10 3.000 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr
Customer metering inaccuracies: 5 7.071 MG/Yr 1.00% MG/Yr
Systematic data handling errors: 4 5.000 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr
Apparent Losses: 15.071 MG/Yr
Real Losses = Water Losses - Apparent Losses: 49.617 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES: 64.688 MG/Yr
NON-REVENUE WATER
NON-REVENUE WATER: 75.000 MG/Yr
= Water Losses + Unbilled Metered + Unbilled Unmetered
SYSTEM DATA
Length of mains: 7 100.0 miles
Number of active AND inactive service connections: 6 1,000
Service connection density: 10 conn./mile main
Yes
Average length of customer service line: ft
Average operating pressure: 6 60.0 psi
COST DATA
Total annual cost of operating water system: 5 $1,000,000 $/Year
Customer retail unit cost (applied to Apparent Losses): 7 $3.50
Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses): 7 $3,000.00 $/Million gallons
$/1000 gallons (US)
100.000
<----------- Enter grading in column 'E' and 'J' ---------->
Unauthorized consumption volume entered is greater than the recommended default value
5.000
100.000
3.000
25.000
Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading score of 10 has been applied
Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop or property line?
Reporting Worksheet
1.000
2013 1/2013 - 12/2013
Northern San Leandro Combined Water Sewer Storm Utility District (0007900)
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Please enter data in the white cells below. Where available, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailable please estimate a value. Indicate your confidence in the accuracy of
the input data by grading each component (n/a or 1-10) using the drop-down list to the left of the input cell. Hover the mouse over the cell to obtain a description of the grades
?
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?
(length of service line, beyond the property
boundary, that is the responsibility of the utility)
percentage of water
supplied
OR
value
?Click here:
buttons below
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+
+ Click to add a comment
WAS v5.0
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+
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+
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+ Use Customer Retail Unit Cost to value real losses
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To select the correct data grading for each input, determine the highest grade where
the utility meets or exceeds all criteriafor that grade and all grades below it.
Defaults provided
Free
awwa.org/waterlosscontrol
Industry Standard
(M36)
~10 Volume Inputs
~7 System Data Inputs

IWA/AWWA Standard Water Balance
Real
Losses
Apparent
Losses
Unbilled
Authorized
Consumption
Billed
Authorized
Consumption
Non-
Revenue
Water
Revenue
Water
Leakage & Overflows at Storage
Billed Unmetered Consumption
Billed Metered Consumption
Billed Water Exported
Leakage on Service Lines
Leakage on Mains
Systematic Data Handling Errors
Customer Metering Inaccuracies
Unauthorized Consumption
Unbilled Unmetered Consumption
Unbilled Metered Consumption
Water
Imported
Own
Sources
Total
System
Input
( allow
for
known
errors )
Water
Losses
Authorized
Consumption
Water
Exported
Water
Supplied

Authorized
Consumption
Water
Losses
Real
Losses
Apparent
Losses
Unbilled
Authorized
Consumption
Billed
Authorized
Consumption
Non-
Revenue
Water
Revenue
Water
Leakage & Overflows at Storage
Billed Unmetered Consumption
Billed Metered Consumption
Billed Water Exported
Leakage on Service Lines
Leakage on Mains
Systematic Data Handling Errors
Customer Metering Inaccuracies
Unauthorized Consumption
Unbilled Unmetered Consumption
Unbilled Metered Consumption
Water
Imported
Own
Sources
Total
System
Input
( allow
for
known
errors )
Water
Exported
Water
Supplied
 Physical loss - leakage
 Cost impacts at ‘wholesale’ rate
 Tools for control include leakage and
pressure management
 Non-physical / revenue loss - slow meters,
billing issues and theft
 Cost impacts at ‘retail’ rate.
 Tools for control include data management,
quality control policies/practices, & meter
testing & repair
 Fire Dept Usage
 Operational Flushing
 Tools for control include efficient flushing
practices and awareness campaigns
Management of NRW

Audience Poll
According to the AWWA M36 Water Audit
Method, an acceptable level of Unaccounted For
Water is:
A. 15%
B. 10%
C. 5%
D. 0%

According to the AWWA Water Audit Method, an
acceptable level of Unaccounted For Water is:
A.15%
B.10%
C.5%
D.0%
Audience Poll

42
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
MGD Water Loss as a Percentage of Supply is not an Indicator of Performance
Water Supplied (MGD)
Authorized Consumption (MGD)
Water Loss (MGD)
Development Boom
Great Recession,
Rate Increases,
Conservation
New Normal

43
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
22%
24%
26%
28%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
MGD Water Loss as a Percentage of Supply is not an Indicator of Performance
Water Supplied (MGD)
Authorized Consumption (MGD)
Water Loss (MGD)
Water Loss (Percent of Supply)

45
Unaccounted
For Water
Unaccounted
For Water
Percentage

46
2003
 Inconsistent use and
interpretation
 Unreliable indicator of
performance
 Fails to segregate loss into
its components for effective
management

3-V’s
Validity
Value
Volume
MG per Year
Gal/connection/day
Leakage Index
$ per Year
Economic Loss Index
Water Audit Data Validity Score
95% Confidence Limits
Key Data Input Grades

10,097
2,824
Total Non-Revenue Water
Volume (MG)
Level 1
Billed Consumption
NRW
Data Validity Score: 75 out of 100
$2,341,420
per year

Volume Value
Real
Loss
Apparent
Loss
Unbilled
Consumption
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
NRW Components - By Volume
(MG) - Level 2
Real
Loss
Apparent
Loss
Unbilled
Consumption
$-
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
$1,600,000
$1,800,000
NRW Components - By Value
Level 2

Volume Value
Unbilled
Unmetered
Unbilled
Metered
Meter
Inaccuracy
Theft
Data
Handling
Unreported
Leakage
Background
Leakage
Reported
Leakage
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Real Loss Apparent Loss Unbilled
Consumption
NRW Components - By Volume
(MG)
Level 3
Unbilled
Unmetered
Unbilled
Metered
Meter
Inaccuracy
Theft
Data
Handling
Unreported
Leakage
Background
Leakage
Reported
Leakage
$0
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
$1,600,000
$1,800,000
Real Loss Apparent
Loss
Unbilled
Consumption
NRW Components - By Value
Level 3

Volume Value
Current
2,824
Economic
Target
1,146
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
NRW Volume (MG/year)
Current
$2,341,42
0
Economic
Target
$839,130
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
NRW Value ($/year)
1.7 BG 1.5 M$

Four Pillars of Managing Apparent Loss
Unavoidable
Apparent
Losses
Theft
Data
Transfer / Archive
Errors
Data
Billing
Errors
Existing Apparent Losses
Economic Level
As each component receives
more or less attention, the
losses will increase or
decrease
Customer
Meter
Accuracy
Source: AWWA Water Loss Control Committee

Cost of Revenue Protection
LOSSES (MG)
UnavoidableApparent
Loss
COST
Economic Level of Loss
Where the total cost is at a minimum
Validated Target Setting

Four Pillars of Managing Leakage
Unavoidable
Real Losses
Speed & Quality
of Repairs
Pressure
Management
Maintenance
Rehab
Repair
Existing Real Losses
Economic Level
As each component receives
more or less attention, the
losses will increase or
decrease
Active
Leakage
Control
Source: AWWA Water Loss Control Committee

Cost of Leakage Control
LOSSES (MG)
BackgroundLeakage
andReportedBreaks
COST
Economic Level of Loss
Where the total cost is at a minimum
Validated Target Setting

Cost of Intervention
NRW (Volume)
COST($M)
Cost of NRW
Total NRW Cost
Reactive Intervention is Over-Spending
Example: fixing only leaks that surface,
replacing meters only when they stop
Economic Optimum NRW
& Intervention
Economic target from
benefit-cost design (M36)
Aggressive Intervention is
Over-Spending
Example: replacement of
pipes and meters before their
optimal useful life
New Supply
New
$M
The GAP

1. Create a water balance: separate Non-Revenue Water
into Unbilled Consumption, Apparent Loss and Real
Loss.
2. Test the validity: Data Validity Score & Metrics
screening, gremlin hunting
3. Analyze the components of Unbilled Consumption,
Apparent Loss and Real Loss. Use volumes & values.
4. Prioritize the components to make a plan of attack.
Basic Concepts

Functions of the AWWA
Software:
• Complete a water balance
• Document data validity
grades
• Calculate performance
indicators
• Identify areas for
improvement

VOLUMESDATA
VALIDITY
GRADES
DEFINITIONSCOMMENTS
for each input into the audit software…

Data Validity Grades
• qualitative but
specific
• 1 through 10
• capture utility
practices

Filling out the Software
1. Gather data and supporting documents
2. Review data for each input:
complete? consistent? accurate?
3. Enter the input.
4. Comment on source of data, quality of data, etc.
5. Select a data validity grade for each input

1. Assemble supporting documents
2. Develop the data inputs
3. Check the metrics
Must-have docs
Good-to-get docs
Build it from supporting docs
Look for gremlins
Inside typical ranges
Metrics versus practices
Sanity check
Validation of Inputs – A Simple Approach

67
Small Water System Technical Assistance –
Finished Water Meter Flow Verification (FWM)
39
7
19
2
11
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
FWM Global Statistics Summary
total # meters
Pass
Fail
Inconclusive
total # meters not tested
18% PASS
49% FAIL
33%
UNTESTABLE
Finished Water Meter Flow Verification
Pass Fail Inconclusive or Untestable

Gremlin Hunting
8” Propeller
Meter
Check Valve
Well Pump
Accuracy results from MFR
test bench: 99.5%
Accuracy results from in-
situ test: 142.2%
Courtesy MESCO

Production flow data should
be reviewed every business
day for data gaps
Gaps occur due to:
Unplanned interruption:
lightning strike, power
failure
Planned interruption:
instrumentation calibration
Gaps in water flow data
should be quantified and
added back to the daily total
(Source: AWWA M36 Publication, 4th
8/15/2012,
hrs
High Service
Pumping Rate, mgd
actual flow
High Service
Pumping Rate, mgd
raw recorded data
Hig
Pumpin
adju
0:00 8.69 8.69
1:00 8.65 8.65
2:00 8.32 8.32
3:00 8.11 8.11
4:00 7.94 0
5:00 8.02 0
6:00 8.44 0
7:00 8.98 0
8:00 9.34 0
9:00 9.25 0
10:00 9.17 0
11:00 9.12 9.12
12:00 9.27 9.27
13:00 9.22 9.22
14:00 9.08 9.08
15:00 8.99 8.99
16:00 9.14 9.14
17:00 9.18 9.18
18:00 9.25 9.25
19:00 9.22 9.22
20:00 8.82 8.82
21:00 8.78 8.78
22:00 8.75 8.75
23:00 8.71 8.71
0:00 8.68 8.68
Total 212.43 151.29 2
Average 8.85 6.30
Difference 2.55
Example of Water Pumping Data Gaps and Adjus

“Checking the Meter”
Flow Testing vs. Calibration
• Flow (Accuracy) Testing confirms the
accuracy of the primary device – the
element that measures the flow of
water
• Signal Calibration confirms the
functions of the secondary device –
which is a data transfer device,
typically a differential pressure cell,
chart recorder, or similar device
• Many water utilities regularly
calibrate their secondary devices, but
do not regularly verify the primary
device by regular flow accuracy
testing. Thus, inaccuracies can be
carried through to reports
Bank of Differential Pressure Cells connected to
flowmeters
(Courtesy of Louisville Water Company)
Orifice Plate Flowmeter components
(Source: AWWA M36 Publication, 4th
Ed.)

Step 3 – Check the Metrics
Metrics versus Practices
Inside the range – are they high, mid, or low?
How does that compare to the water loss management practices?
+ Real Losses: 736.495 MG/Yr
= Water Losses: 944.720 MG/Yr
Unavoidable Annual Real Losses (UARL): 83.69 MG/Yr
Annual cost of Apparent Losses: $821,449
Annual cost of Real Losses: $139,934 Valued at Variable Production Cost
Non-revenue water as percent by volume of Water Supplied: 26.0%
Non-revenue water as percent by cost of operating system: 10.4% Real Losses valued at Variable Production Cost
Apparent Losses per service connection per day: 46.78 gallons/connection/day
Real Losses per service connection per day: 165.45 gallons/connection/day
Real Losses per length of main per day*: N/A
Real Losses per service connection per day per psi pressure: 2.55 gallons/connection/day/psi
From Above, Real Losses = Current Annual Real Losses (CARL): 736.49 million gallons/year
8.80
systems with a low service connection density of less than 32 service connections/mile of pipeline
*** YOUR WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE IS: 62 out of 100 ***
Return to Reporting Worksheet to change this assumpiton
?
?
Typical Ranges*** YOUR WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE IS: 51 out of 100 ***
20 – 200
4 – 40
400 – 4000
2 – 10

Customer Meter Accuracy Testing
• Routine or periodic meter accuracy testing will
quantify the accuracy level of the meter population
• Meter testing can be performed by testing
companies or in-house by utilities with a test
bench or portable test equipment
 Only skilled personnel should do testing;
meter testing is a precision activity
 Make sure procedures are followed – always
test at the low flowrate first
• Set clear meter testing goals, such as:
 Test for high bill complaints
 Meters serving high water using customers
 Test a sample of meters retired from service
 Test high through-put meters (longevity)
 Test samples of newly purchased meters
 Suspect meters
Utility Test Bench for testing water
meters of size less than 3-inch

Sample Testing for Small Meters

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
MeterAccuracy(%)
250,000 500,000 750,000 1,000,000 1,250,000
Total Flow Through Meter

Graphic Courtesy WRF
From a formula. Need
to provide the ICF.
From your repair
records.
• Pressure Management • Pressure Management • Pressure Management

The Life of a Leak:
Awareness, Location & Repair Times
This is the basis for Leakage Component Analysis

Basic Data Needed for Component Analysis
1. Break type: reported or unreported
2. Main or service
3. Location
4. Line size
5. Date/time the break became known
6. Date/time the break was fixed
7. Storage tank volume (total)
8. Average age of pipe network (approx.)
9. Data from your AWWA water audit
Failure Data
Other Data

Real Loss Component Analysis Results
System Component
Background
Leakage
Reported Failures
Unreported Failures
(Hidden Losses)
Total
(MG) (MG) (MG) (MG)
Reservoirs 3 - - 3
Mains and Appurtenances 77 574 - 651
Service Connections 144 11 - 154
Total Annual Real Loss 224 584 - 808
1,612
804
REAL LOSS COMPONENT ANALYSIS RESULTS
Real Losses as Calculated by Water Audit
Hidden Losses/Unreported Leakage Currently Running Undetected

Which Tools to Choose?
Unreported ReportedBackground
• Pressure Management • Pressure Management • Pressure Management

Which Tools to Choose?

The Toolbox (Basic) Helps to Address Level of Cost
1 - Validation of supply & consumption
volumes
Low Data Validity Score,
Gremlins
Low-Mid
2 - Estimating and tracking unmetered
use
Validity, Unmetered Use None-Low
3 - Installing meters on unmetered
connections
Unmetered Use Mid
4 - Billing system audit Systematic Data Handling
Errors
Low-Mid
5 - Meter testing & replacement Customer metering inaccuracy Mid-High
6 - Unidirectional flushing program Unbilled unmetered Low
7 - Acoustic leak survey Unreported leakage Mid
8 - Improve speed/quality of repairs Unreported, Reported leakage Low
9 - Locate & eliminate pressure
transients (surges, hammers)
All 3 types of leakage Low-Mid
10 - Reduce peak and overall pressure All 3 types of leakage Mid-High

Water Audit Report for: EXAMPLE - Tallapoosa (1430002)
Reporting Year:
System Attributes:
Unavoidable Annual Real Losses (UARL): See limits in definition MG/Yr
Real Losses per service connection per day: 75.66 gallons/connection/day
Real Losses per length of main per day*: N/A
Real Losses per service connection per day per psi pressure: 0.95 gallons/connection/day/psi
2014 1/2014 - 12/2014
Return to Reporting Worksheet to change this assumption
?
?
Financial:
Unreported Reported
Background

The Toolbox (Basic) Helps to Address Level of Cost
1 - Validation of supply & consumption
volumes
Low Data Validity Score,
Gremlins
Low-Mid
2 - Estimating and tracking unmetered
use
Validity, Unmetered Use
3 - Installing meters on unmetered
connections
Unmetered Use Mid
4 - Billing system audit Systematic Data Handling
Errors
Low-Mid
5 - Meter testing & replacement Customer metering inaccuracy Mid-High
6 - Unidirectional flushing program Unbilled unmetered Low
7 - Acoustic leak survey Unreported leakage Mid
8 - Improve speed/quality of repairs Unreported, Reported leakage Low
9 - Locate & eliminate pressure
transients (surges, hammers)
All 3 types of leakage Low-Mid
10 - Reduce peak and overall pressure All 3 types of leakage Mid-High

Water Audit Report for: #2 - City of Cave Spring (GA 150000)
Reporting Year:
System Attributes:
Unavoidable Annual Real Losses (UARL): 28.55 MG/Yr
Real Losses per service connection per day: N/A gallons/connection/day
Real Losses per length of main per day*: 944.67 gallons/mile/day
Real Losses per service connection per day per psi pressure: N/A gallons/connection/day/psi
1.05
2014 1/2014 - 12/2014
Return to Reporting Worksheet to change this assumption
?
?
Financial:

Water Loss Control in Effective Utility Management

Water Loss Control in Effective Utility Management

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