Smart metering: providing the foundation for post meter leakage management

Abstract

Any rise in water demand, usually associated with population growth and drought, challenges the water utility to balance this increase by reducing the amount of water lost in the network and employ demand management techniques to conserve existing supply. Post meter leakage can account for up to 10% of total water consumption particularly in the residential sector. Households identified as having post meter leakage were subjected to a mix of basic and tailored information regarding water loss. The primary aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of communication interventions and the attributed water savings resulting from the repair of household leaks. Moreover, questionnaire surveys were conducted to establish the significant factors, including leak type, demographics and household awareness, to name a few, that will influence the development of a fit-for-purpose post-meter leak rectification policy and program. The paper concludes with some key recommendations for the development of a predictive model for identifying, classifying, quantifying post meter loss and the least cost planning implications of a leak rectification policy.