Fixed monitoring helps utility curb nonrevenue water loss

Problem: The HaGihon – Jerusalem Region Water & Wastewater Utility has a water distribution network spread across the hilly terrain of Jerusalem, requiring the utility to create multiple pressure zones using water tanks and PRVs. The utility sought a way to track nonrevenue water loss.

Solution: In September 2013, the utility, together with Aquarius Spectrum, started implementing a fixed water monitoring and leak detection solution. More than 1,600 acoustic sensors were installed during 18 months to cover most of the distribution network. Analyzed findings are displayed via a user-friendly browser-based display. From the very first reading, the system started learning the behavior of the Jerusalem area water distribution network by following its trends daily, from every sensor.

Result: A recent study indicated an 18 percent decrease in nonrevenue water loss in the network in which Aquarius Spectrum’s system was installed and continuously operated from 2014 to 2015. www.aquarius-spectrum.com.

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Leak detection system saves money for Texas school  

Problem: A leak beneath Anna Middle School in Anna, Texas, caused water to surface in the parking lot. The problem presented potentially costly demolition and repair costs.  

Solution: The school called Spencer Plumbing Co., and a technician used a Gen-Ear LE water leak detection system from General Pipe Cleaners. Compact and lightweight, the unit uses the most advanced acoustical leak detection system available to quickly and accurately locate leaks in cast iron, copper, steel and PVC lines. “The school thought we’d bust up the building slab and parking lot just to locate the problem,” Spencer Plumbing owner Bryan Spencer recalls. “But our Gen-Ear showed them exactly what — and where — the troubles were.” Built-in preset audio filters removed ambient noise interfering with accurate leak detection. So instead of traffic or wind, operators heard the whoosh or hiss of water leaks. The ground sensor detects gurgling or hammering of cracked pipe as far as 8 feet below ground, through hard surfaces like concrete or tile. Probe rods locate leaks beneath soft surfaces like grass or carpet, or for above-ground valves or hydrants.  

Result: General’s easy-to-use equipment quickly found two distinct problems. “We fixed the small inside leak without major disruption,” Spencer says. He then showed how the serious outside leak actually channeled water down a ditch to where it was surfacing in the parking lot. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.

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Inspection camera used to assess water main for blockages

Problem: When unusually low flow ratings were observed in a 12-inch HDP water main in Jupiter, Florida, the city of Jupiter’s Utility Department sought out technology that could identify the cause.

Solution: Technicians from National Water Main, a subsidiary company of Carylon Corporation, used JD7’s LDS1000 condition assessment technology to identify the cause of these low flow rates under live pressure. The inspection camera was inserted into the 12-inch HDP water main through a 3-inch valve. The system uses a tri-sensor head with high-resolution camera, internal hydrophone and internal sonde. The camera uses the pipe flow and a drogue (parachute) to carry the camera down the water main.

Result: Technicians were able to survey 2,000 feet of pipe and determine the cause of the problem. With this data, the city was able to properly execute a plan to reduce the sediment buildup that was causing these low flow ratings. 858/242-1640; www.jd7usa.com.