|
Developing and implementing solutions for water loss control is a key ingredient for improving a utility's economic posture and infrastructure awareness index. Water loss control, via an active leak detection program, has been our focus for 15+ years. However, reports from both the AWWA and USGS, plus ASCE's infrastructure report card suggest that, regardless of what we do, things seem to continue to get a little worse, and the amounts of money required to improve our infrastructure keep growing.
The Status-Quo of Water Loss In The Water Utility Industry
"Water usage data published by the United States Geological Survey shows that, of the 40+ billion gallons of water withdrawn each day (bgd) in the United States by water utilities, only 34 bgd of this amount is documented as end-user consumption. The missing 6 bgd is categorized simply as "public use/loss" reflecting USGS's recognition that unmonitored public use (firefighting, street cleaning, etc.), accounting shortcomings and leakage inhibit a utility's ability to attain a true balance of withdrawal and use totals. The quantity of water labeled as "public use/loss" - which is more than enough to meet the water needs of the ten largest US cities combined - reflects the huge margin of error that currently exists in quantifying actual water use amounts vs. water loss amounts in drinking water utilities. By consistently employing a reliable and standardized water audit method, the North American water industry should gradually improve the reporting accuracy for its water delivery components of valid usage and losses" (1)
If these reports by the ASCE, the AWWA and USGS for the USA are credible, especially for a nation which has invested heavily in infrastructure over the years, then the picture is likely much worse in developing nations where utilities have not had the benefit of large investments in growing infrastructure, and have worked with inferior materials and practices.
The bottom line is that there has been very little, or, no improvement - NONE, NADA, Zero.
Given this, we have come to realize that ..
Past water loss control practices are obsolete!
A leak survey every couple of years is a short-lived solution.
Replacing meters every 15-20 years doesn't cut it.
The lack of accurate records for 'in-house' water use is appalling.
The industry's at a crossroads. We're getting older; Have No real money. And soon, NO WATER.
It's 2012, and it's time to Change the Paradigm for water loss control.
It's time for our utilities to take control of their water loss issues.
It's time to STOP studying the problem.
It's time to take action by actively implementing proven solutions to become better stewards of our most
precious natural resource. (It's also time for customers to pay for the value of what they're getting.)
It's NOT a time for more government intervention.
But, it is time for TotalCare™.
Our sustainable solution for reducing water loss due to leakage.
Work with us towards a 'SUSTAINABLE' future.
|
|
