Providing a targeted algorithm for replacing customers’ Water meters aiming at reducing NRW: case study

• Published in: IOP conference series. Materials Science and Engineering Vol. 1196; no. 1; pp. 12034 - 12043
• Main Authors: Ebadati, E, shafaghat, R, Raji Asadabadi, MJ, Majidaei, H, Negharchi, S M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Algorithms; Apparent losses; Aridity; Case studies; Consumption Schedules; Customers; NRW; Revenue; water companies; Water consumption; Water distribution; Water engineering; Water meters; Water resources; WM replacement algorithm; Iran
• DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1196/1/012034
• ISSN: 1757-8981

Abstract Limited water resources, especially in Iran, which has an arid/semi-arid climate, highlight the need for accuracy in managing and controlling the consumption of this vital fluid. Although many approaches have been developed to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in water distribution systems, less attention has been paid to optimal prioritization for water meter replacement. In this research, an algorithm has been presented for the purposeful replacement of customers’ water meters to increase the company’s revenue. Gavankola village has been selected as a rural network in northern Iran with a high NRW rate (58%) as a case study. Examining the customers’ water consumption in 20 periods, it was found that after replacing the water meter, the billed metered consumption (BMC) doubled and the revenue from it increased up to 5 times. Moreover, the study of two economic indicators and NRW revealed that class C water meters are less economical than class B water meters, even though they more effectively reduce apparent losses.