Monitor your network activities, and stay on top of requirements
The solution is to be in control by continuously performing surveillance and check. Varying pressure impacts the lifespan of pipes significantly as constantly fluctuating pressure will stress the pipes beyond their durability, causing them to burst. If you monitor the pressure for 24 hours, you will see that water consumption levels vary during the day. At certain hours of the day, water consumption is high, typically in the morning when people get up and carry out their morning routine and again in the evening when people cook, do the dishes, and carry out other water intensive tasks. During these hours, the pressure decreases due to increased consumption, whereas during the hours of moderate water consumption, the pressure of the water reaches the desired service pressure. This daily cycle of varying consumption of water impacts the water pressure directly which in turn impacts the life span of the pipes.
One way to get things under control is through digitisation. Collecting data from the distribution grid and using this data to operate the water supply is one way to digitise. Using real time data, the distribution models become much more credible; pressure and flow can be controlled according to actual needs, reducing leakage and saving energy. It is common knowledge that higher pressure in the pipes causes more water to spill through cracks and leaks and the energy required to pump this loss is in turn also to be considered loss.
In brief, the new European Drinking Water Directive is concerned with water quality and water loss; two subjects that are close to our heart here at AVK. Learn more
