The Value of Real-Time Water Network Monitoring for NRW Control
The Hidden Crisis in Water Management
Utilities face average water losses of 30%, resulting in an annual loss of $39 billion in Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which not only impacts their budgets but also exacerbates the problem of global water scarcity.
Advanced technologies show promise in detecting leaks and burst pipes in distribution networks and contribute to effective containment of NRW through regular maintenance and timely repairs. However, the efficiency of current solutions for loss-free water distribution has yet to be proven on a large scale. This challenge is compounded by limited access to realtime data that can be shared between stakeholders, resulting in a slow, reactive and economically inefficient approach to water loss management.
Harnessing the power of real-time data through improved monitoring solutions, data-sharing platforms, and advanced analytics has the potential to effectively and efficiently manage Non-Revenue Water at scale.
Installation of the Pydro PT1 device
To determine the optimal position for the installation of the Pydro PT1 device, measurements were taken in the water supply network and a DN100 main pipe was selected where the flow rate during the day is high enough to charge the device's internal backup battery.
The “Ivajak” site was chosen because it serves as a central point where the water supply system branches out in several directions and supplies several settlements. For the installation of the Pydro device, the existing shaft was rebuilt and the installation of the device was carried out exclusively by employees of the Sisak Water Utility. The installation of the device was completed within 1 hour.
Pydro Data
Immediately after installing the Pydro PT1 device, the data is immediately available on the Pydro Dashboard. Realtime information on flow, pressure and temperature is displayed, with data updated every minute.
This 'Fit & Forget' DMA solution ensures seamless data transfer immediately after installation, eliminating the need for onsite experts.
In addition, the system works independently of external power sources by using energy from its integrated water turbine and storing it in an internal battery. Real-time wireless data transmission is enabled via LTE CAT M1, NB IoT and 2G to any cloud-based or customised monitoring system.
The device is characterized by very low maintenance, as it has only one moving part, which ensures long-term reliability. Its submersibility makes it suitable for flooded chambers, which has proven its worth.
Installation of the Pydro PT1 device
As part of the SmartAqua Solution platform, a digital map has been created containing comprehensive data about the water supply network within the marked area of interest for which measurements are taken with the Pydro PT1 device. The map contains a range of important information, including specific pipe data categorized by age, material type and diameter, as well as data on connections and water meters. In addition, the system integrates data on repaired leaks in the monitored area, including updated data sets from 2024 and historical data from 2022.
Crucially, this platform provides an overview of all data and its changes in real time via web and mobile applications, ensuring accessibility for all project stakeholders.
Leak Detection & Repair
For demonstration purposes, a targeted pipe inspection for leak detection was carried out in the network section with the highest density of leak repairs using the available historical data. With the help of the SmartAqua Solution platform, it was possible to monitor the progress of the inspection team on site in real time. In this way, it was possible to monitor the execution of leak detection and repair work online, evaluate the progress and results and coordinate tasks of particular interest at specific locations directly in the maps (e.g. the supervisor can enter remarksdirectly into the map, which becomes visible to the field team in real time).
Synergy
The aim of this pilot project was to test a possible integration between a measurement and monitoring solution and a collaborative tool for digitising network data and field activities in real time. The implementation of the pilot project and the results obtained confirmed the potential Synergy synergy between the two solutions. The ease of use, quick installation and immediate understanding of how to use the available tools and data to improve the monitoring of water losses in the network area in question have shown that the integration of the systems can be beneficial for the end user - the public water utility.
Results & Benefits
The most important element in evaluating the results of the pilot project was the feedback from the employees of the public water supply companies, who were satisfied with the tools and technologies provided. The first phase was to test how the water utility employees would accept and use two different solutions without prior knowledge or experience, which was successful. The solutions tested require minimal on-site training and immediate use, delivering results and benefits from day one. A key benefit is the transparency of data and activities, real-time information sharing and collaboration between different people and teams via simple standard smartphones, mobile networks and cloud technologies.
Conclusion
This project has shown how novel technologies based on simplicity of use can bring benefits from day one and do not require a high level of expertise from public water supply staff. The “Fast, Easy& Simple” implementation of both solutions helps to reduce people'sresistance to new technologies.
