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Apparent losses; implementation of specialized projects,
utilization of expertise from the private sector:

The complex issue of quantifying and reducing the various components of apparent losses often involves the implementation of dedicated projects upon completion of research into the particular field. The following examples are made:

Metering Schemes: A water authority must effect a conclusive study into the performance of different types and classes of revenue meters suitable for the domestic consumption trends. Various trials involving high frequency data logging of statistically chosen consumers and the testing of a range of meters on the achieved consumption trends, are imperative.

In the Malta scenario, site and laboratory research led to a conclusion on use of the Class D (Qn=1.0 m³/Hr) volumetric meter model. The task of replacing over 100,000 old class C meters with this model was subsequently contracted out to 6 chosen private companies.

Theft Control: This delicate issue involves institutional aspects such as a detailed study of legal and criminal codes of practice and the issue of relations between the water utility and other organizations. Furthermore, proficient water theft team/s have to be trained, launched and carefully supervised. Advanced pipe location equipment is often a necessary asset.

Studies into the Malta criminal code and repeated discussions with leading legal experts were the first steps taken locally. Minor amendments to the legal framework were made before the launching of theft control teams onto the consumer. Present steps are now being taken to contract out water theft control.

Billing Aspects: There exist a number of possible complications and discrepancies arising out of flaws or inefficiencies in the water authority’s billing system. An example of this is the failure of an authority to access numerous consumer meters that may be installed inside the premises, this resulting in ‘guessed’ estimations. Two vital projects can help quantify and subsequently reduce this type of apparent loss:

Sustaining the system; maintenance and database management issues.

Sustaining the methodologies that have been implemented is often no easy task. All resources have a finite life and must be regularly maintained, calibrated, replaced, etc. Problems may arise regarding standardization or purchasing issues. The more an organization diversifies in it’s purchasing and maintenance schemes, the more it becomes open to long-term complications. Use of databases, such as the national leakage database depicted in chart 3, can help substantially in managing resources.

Training and leading staff, cultural and educational issues.

The management of UFW control involves a high degree of leadership and empowered teamwork. The leader must also be a team member and must involve himself in the daily difficulties and challenges faced by his workforce, if he wishes to hold their respect and esteem. The implementation of UFW methodologies often results in a culture clash where ‘old’ staff are required to change their mentality and attitude towards the dedication required for the job to succeed. Where, for example, an underground leakage may have previously been hidden and a problem to nobody, now the team has become empowered to quantify and locate it, and is being held accountable for it’s elimination.

As was the case locally, water authorities may be faced with the sometimes daunting task of having to implement advanced techniques using staff that have only minimal educational levels. Ongoing training programs set up through a permanent training centre can target practically all educational requirement levels except the most advanced, for which outsourcing of the particular task is a solution.

References and Bibliography

Alex Rizzo Report on the development of Leakage Control and Water Auditing in Gozo Water Services Corporation 1997

Alex Rizzo A review of Water Accounting in Malta Water Services Corporation 1998

Alex Rizzo Paper submitted to the Chamber of Professional Engineers on UFW analysis Water Services Corporation 1997

Water Services Corporation Annual Report 1997

Water Services Corporation Annual Report 1998

U.K. Water Industry Managing Leakage Engineering and Operations Committee October 1994

Allan Lambert, Stephen Myers & Stuart Trow Managing Water Leakage, Economic and technical issues Financial Times Energy 1998

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• International Year of Forests
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