Estimating and Reducing Leakages in the Water Distribution Networks of Small Settlements: The Case of Agios Germanos in the Prespes Municipality

Abstract

Pressure management is a fundamental and highly effective method for the management of real losses in water distribution networks and therefore reducing non-revenue water. In this work, a methodology is developed to assess leakages in the water distribution networks of small settlements. The settlement of Agios Germanos in the Municipality of Prespes is selected as a representative case study. The hydraulic modeling of the water distribution network in the study area is used to assess the hydraulic behavior of the existing infrastructure in its current state of operation and to find critical locations to install the necessary measuring equipment (pressure sensors, flow meters, water level sensors, and pressure reducing valves). This equipment is used to calibrate the hydraulic model, estimate leakages, and manage them effectively. Minimum night flow analysis is utilized to assess leakages in the studied network based on measurements of the hydraulic parameters from the equipment installed. The effects of pressure management on leakages are then examined by assessing the relationship between the pressure and leak flow rate in the selected settlement.