Data and Analytics Combat Water Main Failures

Grigg, Neil S.

doi:10.1002/awwa.1288

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…In addition to those with deficient service, some users did not receive piped water at all and were supplied by tanker trucks contracted by the utility. • Similar break rate to the average for 13 Latin American utilities in a regional benchmarking report [27] • Much higher break rate than 0.13-17 breaks/km-year reported in studies of U.S. and Canadian utilities [28] * Available storage did not meet IDAAN's standard that storage capacity should equal one-third of daily demand.…”

Section: Arraiján's Drinking Water Systemmentioning

confidence: 86%

Characterizing Supply Variability and Operational Challenges in an Intermittent Water Distribution Network

Erickson

Quintero²,

Nelson

2020

Water

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Intermittent piped water supply is common in low- and middle-income countries and is inconvenient for users, particularly when supply schedules are unreliable. In this study, supply schedules and operational challenges were characterized in intermittent areas of the Arraiján, Panama distribution network based on one year of pressure and flow monitoring in four study zones, analysis of three years of pipe break data, and observations of system operation. Service quality was found to vary among users and supply schedules were often irregular and unpredictable. Direct causes of unanticipated supply outages included pump failures, chronic pipe breaks in specific parts of the system, transmission main breaks, irregular valve operations, and treatment plant outages. The extent and duration of these outages were often increased by high rates of water loss, insufficient storage capacity, and difficulty detecting and resolving infrastructure failures. Factors associated with intermittent supply, such as intermittent pumping, appeared to be associated with a higher frequency of pipe breaks. However, the analysis did not indicate a strong general correlation between intermittent supply and pipe breaks. Pressure and flow monitoring in intermittent supply areas, similar to that undertaken in this study, could be a valuable tool to improve regular operations as well as longer-term planning and prioritization of system improvements. Water loss reduction and adequate distribution storage capacity could also mitigate the effects of operational failures. Investments in monitoring and data analysis have the potential to improve the reliability of intermittent supply in cases where continuous supply is not immediately feasible.

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Section: Arraiján's Drinking Water Systemmentioning

confidence: 86%

Characterizing Supply Variability and Operational Challenges in an Intermittent Water Distribution Network

Erickson

Quintero²,

Nelson

2020

Water

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“…Even when research developments seem promising, utility operators may choose not to adopt them. A case in point was a project to develop a national mains failure database [69]. Although the benefits of sharing data seemed promising, utility operators did not voluntarily participate because they judged those benefits did not justify the costs.…”

Section: Issues For a Research Road Map Of Idsmmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water Distribution Systems: Integrated Approaches for Effective Utility Management

Grigg

2024

Water

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An extensive review of research advances in distribution system management was conducted to include methods, tools, and frameworks for integration. Sources included archival journals and water industry reports from research institutes, government regulators, and industry media covering case studies of advances that were implemented. Results showed that while effective management of water distribution systems requires an integrated approach, none of the available frameworks for one are in broad use in the water supply industry. Frameworks developed include a management standard of the American Water Works Association and Distribution System Optimization, a methodology for physical, hydraulic, and water quality performance assessment. The intelligent systems framework also offers a promising pathway to integration, but it lacks a definite structure. The voluntary aspect of adopting innovations within the fragmented and uncoordinated nature of the water utility industry poses a barrier to adoption of such innovations. Another barrier is the uncoordinated arrangements of water research stakeholders with different incentive structures. Intelligent water systems offer a way to incentive the utility industry to encourage implementation. They can provide a bottom-up approach where the utility industry can see advantages, as opposed to a top-down approach where they are expected to adopt a method without seeing clear benefits. Research to develop new and improved tools is needed, but the research roadmap should prioritize implementation.

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“…In general, pipe deterioration and breakage can be dealt with using proactive or reactive approaches (Grigg 2019). The reactive approach is used mainly by water utilities, such that when a pipe break occurs or noticeable pipe failure is observed, a pipe rehabilitation or replacement method will be implemented.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The reactive approach is used mainly by water utilities, such that when a pipe break occurs or noticeable pipe failure is observed, a pipe rehabilitation or replacement method will be implemented. A proactive approach involves early analysis of the condition of the water system to anticipate and mitigate failure before it occurs (Grigg 2019). Grigg suggests that effective data base analysis supports early identification of issues and generally leads to improvements in overall water main condition.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current water main rehabilitation practice using trenchless technology

Kang

Nojumi

et al. 2021

Water Practice and Technology

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The market for water infrastructure rehabilitation is growing rapidly due to the increasing age of underground utilities. Currently, two common water main rehabilitation methods exist: cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) and polymer spray-on coatings. CIPP can provide structural support for both internal and external loads, while spray-on techniques provide chemical resistance as well as adding minor strength to the existing pipe. This paper summarizes water main rehabilitation practice using CIPP and spray-on methods. The history of trenchless rehabilitation technology is discussed, as well as current methodologies and products for water mains. The design, installation, and monitoring of water main rehabilitation products are also summarized, along with the associated risks. Quality assurance and control (QA/QC) methods are included for evaluating existing products and procedures.

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Data and Analytics Combat Water Main Failures

Abstract: Utilities might want to consider using data analytics in a proactive approach to aging infrastructure improvement that predicts likely pipe failures and allows for selective repair or replacement.

Cited by 9 publications

References 15 publications

Characterizing Supply Variability and Operational Challenges in an Intermittent Water Distribution Network

Characterizing Supply Variability and Operational Challenges in an Intermittent Water Distribution Network

Water Distribution Systems: Integrated Approaches for Effective Utility Management

Current water main rehabilitation practice using trenchless technology

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