Water loss from urban water supply networks and the factors affecting it

Water loss is a significant issue that leads to substantial damage to water resources, civil infrastructure, the environment, and water distribution companies. Urban water supply networks, particularly in regions with scarce water resources, face challenges related to water loss. Leakage from these networks constitutes a major portion of the overall water loss. Factors contributing to leakage include the aging of water supply systems, pipe damage due to soil stresses and urban traffic, fluctuations in water pressure, improper urban plumbing practices, and inadequate embankments. Examining factors such as pressure, pipe type, soil environment, and temperature can help identify the causes of leakage and effectively manage and mitigate its volume. Laboratory and field investigations have revealed that the leakage power, contrary to the pressure-leakage relationship, falls within the range of 0.5 to 2.79, with values exceeding 0.5 due to variations in pipe types, dimensions, and the type of cracks. Reducing the D50 (median grain size) of the soil and selecting an appropriate soil granulation around the pipes can effectively reduce the leakage flow rate. This article provides an overview of water wastage, its types, and underlying causes, followed by a discussion on the fundamentals of leakage calculation.