Determining the Most Appropriate Recoverable Leakage Volume and Rate in Water Distribution Systems

Abstract

A significant amount of water is lost annually as a result of malfunctions in drinking water distribution systems. Various methods are applied to reduce and manage these leaks. In this study, it is aimed to determine the most appropriate preventable leakage volume by considering the basic methods applied to reduce leakages in distribution systems. For this, basic methods such as active leakage control, pressure management, network rehabilitation and team management have been considered. Costs and potential benefits have been identified for these methods. An optimization-based model was developed using these benefit costs. The developed model was applied in the pilot isolated region. Considering the data taken from the isolated area, the preventable leakage volumes for each method were analyzed with the optimization algorithm. The total loss amount in the current situation is calculated as 3.68 l/s (36.01%). The most appropriate loss amount in the region was determined as 1.36 l/s (13.27%) by the optimization model. The total amount of loss that can be economically reduced in the region has been determined as 2.32 l/s. It was seen that the most benefit will be obtained from pressure management with 1.53 l/s. According to the results of the analysis, the methods to be applied and the benefits to be obtained from these methods are listed. It is thought that the results obtained will make important contributions especially to the technical personnel in the field.