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Fundamentals of Leakage and Pressure Management for Water Utilities

5.5

Drinking Water

PA DEP: Training Section

Jill Anderson

jianderson@pa.gov

7177724049 Ext.

Partner Website

PA water distribution systems are exposed to many stresses from the extremes of weather, heavy traffic, varying water demands and other factors. Most of Pennsylvania’s water system were created many decades (or more than a century) ago and are aging, and utilities are hard-pressed to keep pace with desired maintenance and renewal needs. Leakage losses are high in many systems, yet most water utilities don’t put a number on the amount of water lost to leakage or how much these losses are costing the water utility. High leakage results in many harmful effects including excessive source water withdrawals, damage to public and personal property due to water main breaks, increased contamination potential in the water distribution system, traffic and commercial business disruption, and many other problems. Utility operators should come to understand the causes of leakage in their systems and the ways to prioritize and implement effective leakage and pressure controls, which have advanced considerably in recent years. This training will give utility operators a solid understanding of the fundamentals of leakage and pressure management that they can employ to better control excessive leakage, maintain reliable and cost-effective service to their customers, and safeguard water resources.

Intermediate

- Water Audit Fundamentals and Real Losses - Characteristics of PA Water Distribution Systems - Nature, Occurrence, and Impacts of Leakage in Water Utilities - The Cost of Leakage - Leakage Data Collection and Leakage Component Analysis - Leakage Management Strategies - Acoustic Leak Detection and Equipment Review -District Metered Areas and Pressure Management - Organizing and Launching an Effective Leakage and Pressure Management Program -Case Studies

Managers and operators of community water systems who wish to develop a leakage and pressure management program to reduce water loss in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Classroom