AWWA DSS58711

This paper discusses the need for improved performance in the area of water loss control and reduction of unwanted demand, and how this need requires improved and standardized methods of performance base lining and target setting. The most recent AWWA Water Loss Control Committee report (approved in December of 2002) now fully endorses the use of the new performance indicators. It discusses the international data set and the North American data set and recommends two AWWARF projects, #s 2811 and 2928, which are directly related to the improvement and standardization of water loss performance reporting and management. Both of these research projects have been designed to adopt internationally recognized best practice and adapt it for use in North America. The overall goal of project 2811 is to prepare a comprehensive guidance document which can be used by water utilities to: select appropriate performance indicators; prepare an accurate water audit and (and water balance); determine the economic level of leakage; and, plan and implement water loss reduction programs. The overall goal of project 2928 is to provide North American utilities with tools and guidelines to proactively manage and reduce water loss due to leaks in the distribution system. This will be accomplished using an in-depth five-step approach that includes: a detailed review of United Kingdom, International, and North American current best practice; a detailed analysis of those methodologies that are applicable and transferable to the North American reality, and the development of a new model to include necessary changes required for safe and sustainable leakage management tailored to North America; a review of the applicability of using United Kingdom and International methods to determine the economic level of leakage (ELL); hands-on testing of promising methodologies within the participating utilities water distribution systems; and, the development of the final water leakage management tools and guidelines. Includes 7 references, tables, figures.