Searching for a universal water loss indicator using correlation and frontier analysis

Suvi Ahopelto*, Riku Vahala

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Ideally, water loss indicators enable tracking water loss levels independent of system specific factors, which allows for comparison between utilities. No universal indicator has been identified, which would be uninfluenced by utility size, network type and other relevant elements. To fill this gap, this study seeks to compare leakage indicators utilising data from 114 Finnish water utilities. Six leakage indicators are examined using correlation analysis and frontier analysis, along with other criteria. In the correlation analysis, the indicators are evaluated based on their correlation with utility specific factors. Instead of actual leakage, non-revenue water is used in the calculations. A new indicator combining non-revenue water per connection and leakage as percentage of system input volume performed best in the analysis. The results indicate that the traditional percentage indicator and non-revenue water per connection may also perform quite well in water loss level comparison between utilities. Comparing the results to previous studies shows that more research is needed to conclude whether a universal indicator could be used for inter-utility comparisons and leakage target setting.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWDSA - CCWI 2022 Proceedings Book Valencia 18th-22nd July
Place of PublicationValencia
PublisherEditorial de la Universitat Politècnica de València
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)978-84-9048-982-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jul 2022
MoE publication typeNot Eligible
EventInternational Joint Conference on Water Distribution Systems Analysis & Computing and Control for the Water Industry - Valencia, Spain
Duration: 18 Jul 202222 Jul 2022
Conference number: 2
https://wdsa-ccwi2022.upv.es/

Conference

ConferenceInternational Joint Conference on Water Distribution Systems Analysis & Computing and Control for the Water Industry
Abbreviated titleWDSA CCWI
Country/TerritorySpain
CityValencia
Period18/07/202222/07/2022
Internet address

Keywords

  • Leakage indicators
  • Water loss indicators
  • Benchmarking water loss

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