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Comprehensive Water Audits
A Water Audit is a full analysis of water processed by a utility. The analysis is conducted starting with an accurate accounting of raw, treated and sold water. In a complete Water Audit, the accuracy of the raw water meters and their output is verified. This production is then compared to authorized consumption, both billed and unbilled, to determine water loss in the system. Water loss is then further divided in Apparent; unauthorized consumption and metering inaccuracies and Real; the lossthrough all types of leaks, bursts, service reserviorsand service connections up to the point of customer metering. The audit also analyzes the billing versus metered consumption, large meter sizing, pump efficiency, and economic leakage analysis.
The commodity water systems deliver today has greater value than ever before. Water supply, treatment, storage and pumping all add value to the water resource. With mounting infrastructure costs and growing constraints on water resources, water system managers must strive to account for all the water that travels from source to end users.
Water accountability on the supply side is effective because it is under utility managers` direct control and water savings translate directly to cost savings. Water accountability analysis is the process of tracking water through the delivery system and identifying potential areas for improvement.
The Comprehensive Water Audit Program is packaged specifically for each client to analyze the water from supply all the way through to the customer meter water usage. The goal of the program is to increase revenue and decrease water loss. The analysis generally includes the following:
Production Review - Reviewing facilities and production records; reviewing pumping stations, and flow in and out of reservoirs and tanks; identifying piping problems of non metering; reviewing water used in the treatment process; as well as determining the cost of chemicals used in the treatment process and of energy to pump water.
Distribution System Confirmation - An in-depth review of existing records, reports, plans, meter routes, maps and studies of the distribution system to breakdown the distribution system`s separate audit-districts; interviewing personnel; and limited field investigations.
Test and Calibrate Source Meters - Testing of all source meters at plants and pump stations at typical operating conditions, including various pump combinations. Recommendations and correction factores to adjust pumpage figures are calculated for inaccurate meters.
Large Meter Consumption Sizing and Application Analysis - Detailed analysis of all meters 2-inches and larger. The analysis is designed to locate inconsistencies within the meter reading and billing cycles, and to identify meter accuracy problems resulting from improper sizing and application.
Small Meter Consumption Analysis - Detailed analysis of the small meters (smaller than 2-inch). The analysis includes a review of the small meter replacement program that a utility presently operates. Modifications to the program are offered. A replacement list of existing meters based on age, type, water quality and use will be developed.
Non-Metered Usage Analysis - Reviewing of records and quantifying non-metered usage such as non-metered connections, line flushing, system leakage, construction usage, hydraulic testing, fire fighting and testing, street and sewer maintenance, and plant use. Free accounts are reviewed concerning control policy and qualification of use. Fire lines are investigated. Non-metered use is tabulated for each district.
District Measurements - Measuring of water usage within districts or sections of the system to determine consumption patterns and leakage potential.
District Audits - Analysis of the delivery and accountability of water to a particular district. Metered ratios are developed to show the relationship of water delivered, metered usage, non-metered usage, and water loss.
Leak Detection Survey - Sounding and pinpointing leaks and classification as to severity. Historical leak records are analyzed to determine cost effectiveness of replacing specific mains showing high leakage.
Large Meter Tests - Performing rate of flow measurements on large meters to determine the meter accuracy. A list of meters to be tested is developed from the Large Meter Consumption Sizing and Application Analysis.
Final Report - The system accountability table. The final report includes distribution system confirmation, testing and calibration of source meters, large and small meter analysis, non-metered use, district and sub-district measurement, leakage detection survey, meter sizing analysis, evaluation of system accountability and cost effective programs to improve operational efficiency.