dan strub, using water loss audits as tools, twca fall 2015 conference
TRANSCRIPT
Using Water Loss Tools to Guide Operations
Dan StrubAustin Water
In the Beginning…
• 2008 water loss audit– 3.26 ILI– TWDB assessment score of 65
• Set goals:– 3.0 ILI– TWDB assessment score of 70
Where to Start?
• TWDB water loss audit and assessment scores– Potential avenues for reducing loss– How to improve data validity
First Steps
• Prioritize leak response & repair time• > 3 days in FY08• Added 2nd shift of repair crews by
reconfiguring schedules• No additional FTEs• Reconfigured priorities to elevate leaks above
maintenance tasks
1st Q 2nd Q 3rd Q 4th Q0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.00
0
200
400
600
800
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1400
Leak Repairs FY09
Hours to repair
Number of repairs
Hou
rs to
Rep
air
Num
ber o
f Rep
airs
Filling Holes in the Data
• Customer meter accuracy• Unmetered water• Flushing
Results Coming In…
Using the Tools to Identify a Problem
• 2014 ILI increased to 3.17• Major performance measures consistent
– Number of leaks– Time to repair– Meter accuracy
• Leak detection contracts– 20% coverage of distribution mains annually– Sections of transmission mains
• Water Research Foundation Component Analysis Model and leak detection contracts show below normal leaks on mains
Likely Cause
• Suspect leaks, esp. on transmission mains where no leak detection yet performed
• Some confirmation coming from leaking transmission main inspection
• WaterRF Component Analysis Model also helping us make the business case to increase leak detection efforts
Future Efforts
• District Metering– First DMA operational– More being developed
• AMI• Acoustic monitoring, perhaps in conjunction
with AMI• Large meter testing program• Small meter replacement program
Advantages of Accurate Water Loss Accounting
• Awareness of where problems are• Assessment scoring offers potential solutions• WaterRF Component Analysis Model helps
identify and confirm problems, assists with cost benefit of solutions
• Raises awareness of importance of water loss utility-wide
• Better planning, less loss