Non-Revenue Water Workshop

Joseph Butterfield is an Innovation Manager at Mueller Water Products. Joseph has been with Mueller for nearly 4 years, a portion of which Joseph worked in Singapore on a research collaboration with the Public Utility Board Singapore. Joseph has over 13 years’ experience in the water industry and has held senior roles in network optimization and asset strategy. Joseph holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sheffield UK, and his interests lie in the development of novel signal processing techniques to optimize the performance of water infrastructure, in particular non-invasive acoustic pipe condition assessment and leak detection

Speaker Session:
Conference Topic: Utilising Acoustic Sensors to Reduce Non-Revenue Water Through Improved Prioritisation of Leak Repair
Workshop Topic:Identification of Degraded Sections of Pipelines using Non-Invasive Condition Assessment

Identification of Degraded Sections of Pipelines using Non-Invasive Condition Assessment

Joseph Butterfield
Innovation Manager
Mueller Water Products

Whilst integral to society, drinking water pipelines are subject to failure, resulting in water loss, economic loss, and disruption to supply as a result of pipeline deterioration. One way water utilities combat these losses is through pipeline renewal and repair and maintenance. However, due to economic and regulatory pressures, the prioritisation of pipeline renewal is critical. To manage these assets effectively, it is crucial that only the pipe sections that need replacing are replaced. An important tool for pipeline renewal prioritisation is pipe condition assessment, which helps to identify areas of degraded pipe. Whilst there are several methods to carry out pipeline condition assessment, these can pose risks to water quality at high cost.

This presentation details the results of a project with a well-known water utility in Asia, whereby a non-invasive acoustic technology was developed to identify local degradation within buried drinking water pipelines. The technology functions by measuring the acoustic wave propagation within the pipeline. Over 9 km of pipeline was investigated, and the results showed a strong correlation of acoustically estimated wall thickness and the ground truth wall thickness, as confirmed by several independent laboratory studies. The method presented represents a valuable tool for utilities to prioritise pipeline renewal and maintenance, by identifying the most deteriorated sections of pipeline, allowing for effective asset management strategies.

Martin has more than 25 years of experience in the field of non-revenue water (NRW) management. He started his career in Bristol Water in the early 90’s when the UK was suffering from national water shortages. This forced water utilities to gain a greater understanding of the different components of NRW and to undertake aggressive NRW management programs in order to reduce system losses to levels that hadn’t previously been achieved.

In 1997 Bristol Water seconded Martin to Malaysia to transfer this knowledge to the Selangor State NRW management project, one of the first performance-based NRW contracts in the world. Over 10 years the project successfully reduced both real and apparent losses and demonstrated that PBCs were a viable model for NRW reduction projects.

In 2007 Martin was approached to Project Manage a NRW reduction project near Brisbane, Australia in response to the severe ongoing drought in South East Queensland. Other Australian NRW projects followed including with Sydney Water & City West Water (Melbourne) before Martin joined Xylem in September 2017 as a Solution Architect.

Speaker Session:
Topic: Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua Smart Water Platform

Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua Smart Water Platform

Martin Shaw
NRW Solution Architect,
Xylem Water Solutions Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

For many modern utilities, it can be difficult to get a complete understanding of their true level of operational efficiency. Not because they don’t have enough data, but because it is often split between various systems that can’t easily communicate with one another.

Using advanced algorithms the Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua platform eliminates these silos of information and unlocks the true value of data. Combining Xylem’s collaborative and consultative global team of technical and water industry experts with Idrica’s proven software and analytics platform, Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua is a unique, technology-independent solution that can capture data from any source, regardless of manufacturer. This allows utilities to maximize investments already made in existing technologies while breaking down data silos to provide a holistic, 360-degree view of the status for all processes and infrastructure across the entire water cycle. By providing intelligence and smart analytics at the network, plant and asset level Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua supports both utility operators and enterprise managers in enabling optimal decision making and streamlined management of utility operations, while simplifying and expediting digital transformation.

Pressure Management

Gary Wyeth
Chief Executive Officer
Wyeth Water Consultants

Pressure Management, as one of the four pillars of real loss management, is an essential part of any NRW management programme. The design of Pressure management Areas (PMAs) and the subsequent installation and commissioning of Pressure reducing Valves (PRVs), is the first crucial step, that will generate large reductions in leakage volumes and burst frequency rates. However, these basic PRVs can be further optimized to provide greater reductions in pressure during periods of low demand, creating further reductions in leakage volume.

This session will look at the various methods for further optimizing PRVs, including the pros and cons for each method and what water utilities should be aware of when implementing such Advanced Pressure Management methodologies. In addition, the session will look at how the effect of these Advanced Pressure Management methodologies can be assessed, prior to implementation, to enable a clear cost benefit analysis to be determined.

By the end of the session the attendees will have a clear understanding of the different methodologies of Advanced Pressure Management, how to determine their individual impact on reducing leakage volumes and burst frequency, and what are the pros and cons of each method.

AI Tools for Proactive Pipeline Management

Mark Nicol
Director
Nicol Consulting Services

In recent years, the market has seen a rise in software solutions that utilize artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning algorithms, and data analytics. These solutions aim to help operators better understand their network's performance and take proactive measures to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) to target levels, while optimizing capital and operational expenditure.

By analyzing data such as flow and pressure data, pipeline acoustics, and other sensor readings, AI tools can identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that may not be easily noticeable through traditional methods. They provide early warnings and recommendations for intervention, enabling water utility companies to take timely and preventive actions.

Additionally, these AI tools offer advanced analytics capabilities for targeting pipeline condition assessment programs, identification of the most applicable tools, and prioritization of rehabilitation or replacement. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, operators can gain insights into the overall efficiency and performance of their pipeline network. This empowers engineers to make data-driven decisions that optimize operations, minimize energy consumption, and enhance the sustainability of the water supply system.

By the end of this session, participants will have a clearer understanding of the benefits of AI tools in decision-making. They will also be able to compare and contrast the various commercially available solutions that can assist in decision-making.

Garry became a founding partner of ATi UK in 1996, successfully directing the company to become a leading provider of engineered, analytical sensor monitoring solutions for water and gas applications.

As a leader in his field, Garry is an enthusiastic advocate of innovative, smart water solutions and supply chain collaboration, expanding the capabilities of intelligent measurement, reliable communication and actionable data to create a more sustainable future to meet the challenges of tomorrow. In his role of Director of Smart Water Solutions, Garry works closely with international utility customers and partners to deliver robust, integrated, digital solutions from Badger Meter to help users turn data into actionable insights, empowering customers to leverage data in new ways.

Speaker Session:
Conference Topic: Smart Water Nexus Revolution
Workshop Topic: Smart Water Nexus Revolution

Smart Water Nexus Revolution

Garry Tabor
Director
Badger Meter, United Kingdom

Global estimates for global NRW loss stands at around 34% or 126Billion cubic meters of water per year. New innovation has introduced many new ways of identifying and fixing leaking water networks. Digging up and repairing damaged or broken pipes is both labour intensive and expensive.

Recent data from the UK demonstrates that of the NRW water that remains 30% occurs on the customer side of the supply. The new narrative to reducing NRW water fast and at reduced cost aims at smart AMI metering solutions.

These new AMI metering Solutions provide near real time information on individual household consumption and waste through leakage.

Bringing this data to consumers by smart mobile device applications enables both utilities and consumers to work together in reducing NRW and better demand management.

Each of the above will be covered in two presentations for each session. Whilst each PPt will be presented on Badger Meter corporate headed slide the intention of each presentation to present from an industry perspective and not be a sales pitch.

Hugh Chapman serves as the Managing Director of Aqua Analytics, a company at the forefront of smart technology and leakage reduction in the water sector in Asia Pacific. With over a decade of leadership experience in global water technology firms, Hugh's career trajectory is diverse and focused. He initially honed his skills in technical and project roles within his family's water business before transitioning to Pure Technologies, where he played a pivotal role in critical water pipeline management, including trunk main leakage reduction, using proprietary technologies. In 2020, he founded Aqua Analytics, rapidly expanding to a team of over 15 professionals. The company partners with state and local governments in Australia and New Zealand on long-term water loss reduction projects, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field.

Speaker Session:
Conference Topic: Talent, Training, and Tech: Transforming Leak Detection to Combat NRW
Workshop Topic: Advanced Techniques in Leakage Detection

Advanced Techniques in Leakage Detection

Hugh Chapman
Managing Director
Aqua Analytics, Australia

The challenge of reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) remains a pressing concern for water utilities globally. Traditional methods of leakage detection often involve time-consuming and costly manual inspections. This presentation will explore emerging solutions that offer low-cost, near real-time awareness of new leaks, growing leaks, and repair status. Utilising advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and communication protocol these innovative methods provide a more efficient and proactive approach to leakage management. Operational benefits include reduced labour costs, quicker response times, and minimised water loss, thereby driving down NRW significantly. These solutions not only offer immediate cost savings but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of water resources. The presentation will delve into case studies that demonstrate the efficacy of these advanced techniques in real-world scenarios.

Fairuza Shahira is the Hydraulic Modelling & GIS Engineer with specialized expertise in hydraulic models, geographical information systems (GIS), and Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management. With a career spanning over six years in the water industry Fairuza expends her capability in developing, validating, and updating hydraulic models using various software e.g WaterGEMS, Aquis. Her extensive understanding of GIS integration enhances her ability to comprehensively analyse water network systems. Of particular significance is Fairuza's specialization in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management. She understands NRW reduction strategies and techniques, gained from her involvement in projects focusing on minimizing water losses and optimizing revenue.

Speaker Session:
Topic: Decision Support System using Hydraulic Models for Network Planning and Operations

Decision Support System using Hydraulic Models for Network Planning and Operations

Fairuza Fauzri
Hydraulic Modelling & GIS Engineer
Wyeth Water Consultants

Effective water network management demands a comprehensive approach that spans planning, operations, and also Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management. The synergy between hydraulic modelling and Geographic Information System (GIS) enables a better decision support system or the water operators.

Using hydraulic models which using GIS as basis facilitate informed decision-making across various operational aspects with different operating conditions. Emphasizing planning, the system aids in designing robust network layouts, identifying optimal pipe sizing, and evaluating potential pressure zones. In day-to-day operations, it assists in pressure management, valve control, and emergency response coordination, enhancing system efficiency, reliability, and resilience.

Hydraulic models also help on design, reorganize and also assess condition of District Metered Area (DMA) for a complex network system and also Pressure Management Area (PMA) or better pressure optimization and control.

This presentation will share on how hydraulic models support decision making in the technical aspects, highlighting its practical implementation in enhancing water network operations, supporting planning initiatives, and tackling the significant issue of Non-Revenue Water. The integration of hydraulic models and GIS offers a versatile approach toward holistic and sustainable water network management.