Development of a new comprehensive framework for the evaluation of leak management components and practices

Abstract

Abstract Leaks cause significant operational problems in water distribution systems (WDSs). The methods for managing leaks are time-consuming and costly. Therefore, the suitability and applicability of water loss management (WLM) methods should be analyzed. In this study, a new comprehensive framework was proposed using the scoring table to evaluate and highlight the reliability of data and to analyze the current application level of leakage management practices in WDSs. The developed framework consists of 60 sub-components determined to cover the WLM practices. A scoring structure was created to analyze these sub-components in measurable criteria. The developed framework was applied to three pilot administrations, and the results were discussed. The data quality (quite good, good, doubtful, poor, and quite poor) is classified according to the application level of the leakage management practices. The data quality of leakage management components and the application levels of practices are at good level in Administrations I and II and at moderate level in Administration III. The weaknesses and strengths in administrations were defined in the scope of leakage management, and the components that need improvement are determined dynamically. This framework will provide more accurate data for sustainable leakage management in the administration and make field applications more systematic.