Date
Monday, July 28, 2025
Time
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Location Name
Room 300D
Name
Benchmarking Leak Detection in the Digital Age: A Comparative Analysis of Methods
Track
Water Loss/Non-Revenue Water
Description
Leak detection technology has evolved significantly since the days of divining rods and listening sticks. Handheld correlators led the way to fixed-based continuously active acoustic systems which gave way to satellite inspection technology. This presentation compares these various methods to help utilities make informed choices. Both quantitative and qualitative metrics, including leaks found per crew day, per mile, and cost, as well as capital and operational expenses, flexibility, turnaround time, testing frequency, complexity, and performance are used to compare techniques. As water scarcity becomes a pressing concern worldwide, proactive leak detection programs have become crucial. These programs are now at the forefront of water management strategies, combating challenges related to aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, and water affordability. According to the 2018 Utah State University report titled 'Water Main Break Rates in the USA and Canada: A Comprehensive Study, which surveyed over 300 utilities and covered 200,000 miles of pipelines, break rates have increased by 27% in just six years since the previous study. As of 2018, there were 14 breaks per 100 miles per year, with cast iron and asbestos cement pipes experiencing an alarming 40% increase in break rates over the same six-year period. As pipes age, their susceptibility to breaks tends to rise, exacerbating the situation. Furthermore, the escalation of energy prices directly impacts water supply costs, encompassing treatment and pumping expenses. Baseline tap water costs about $5.00 per 1000 gallons and rises proportionally with usage, reaching over $10 per 1000 gallons. Notably, water rates in the United States have been steadily increasing at an annual rate of 5% since the early 2000s. The presentation will analyze various leak detection technologies from handheld acoustic monitors to Correlating Continuous Acoustic Monitors (CCAM), or fixed base systems, to District Metered Area (DMA) to Tethered or Floating in-situ systems, to Software based Condition Assessment Solutions, to Satellite Imagery Leak Detection (SILD). Quantitative comparisons will be made to show the relative efficacy of the DMA, CCAM and SILD technologies. Qualitative comparisons will compare all the currently available technologies for finding leaks in potable water systems.