Reducing Water Losses for Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

From the point of view of water supply systems, and in particular of distribution networks, the environmental, social and economic criteria have had a significant role in the selection of urban water development decisions. In this respect, the article addresses the issue of reducing water losses in drinking water supply systems. Thus, there are presented the methods and technologies used and studied, currently, for the detection of damages on the pipes of the distribution networks. Continuous monitoring of the pipeline network has become an integral part of drinking water supply systems. Remote data transmission and the use of professional software allows for accurate loss detection in places where the probability of loss is maximum. The relocation method has the benefit of economies of time and money. In most developed countries, the percentage of water loss is significant. The article makes a theoretical analysis on the application of non-revenue water loss solutions (NRW) in Timisoara, Romania. At various points in the drinking water distribution network, measuring points are installed to measure the pressure, residual chlorine concentration, flow rate and flow direction. Measurement panels installed in underground fireplaces and sensors mounted directly on pipes transmit the measured data from sensors directly to the dispatcher via the GPRS data service. In addition to this information, the measurement point also generates alarms in the event of a home flood, unauthorized access, or lack of power from the grid. The results of the analysis highlight the fact that the loss reduction is quantified in water savings with positive effects on the reduction of pressure on the existing networks.