Water Infrastructure System Leakage Analysis: Evaluation of Factors Impacting System Performance and Opportunity Cost

Concerns over both water quality and quantity continue to increase globally. As the need for useable and potable water becomes more of a widespread issue, there is an opportunity to review and consider alternatives to how water is used, consumed, and sustained for future use by the world’s populatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inWater (Basel) Vol. 16; no. 8; p. 1080
Main Authors Horbatuck, Keith H., Beruvides, Mario G.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.04.2024
Subjects
Analysis
Audits
Computer organization
Datasets
Drinking water
Funding
Infrastructure
Infrastructure (Economics)
infrastructure management
opportunity cost
Opportunity costs
Population growth
social-ecological systems
Supplies
Sustainability
sustainment
technical management
Water quality
Water resources management
Water shortages
water system management
California
United States > US
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Summary:Concerns over both water quality and quantity continue to increase globally. As the need for useable and potable water becomes more of a widespread issue, there is an opportunity to review and consider alternatives to how water is used, consumed, and sustained for future use by the world’s population. A review of data across cities within North America shows improvement opportunities in water infrastructure systems. Using water audit and loss control data from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF), an analysis is provided to define opportunities for mitigating water losses among select North American Water Infrastructure systems in the U.S. states of Georgia and California. The research methodology used includes statistical analysis data while grouping utility sizes to identify utility cost opportunities. Variables on water loss and customer cost that have a positive impact on overall and long-term water system sustainability are identified. The analysis shows California, while having firm water guidance and higher rates compared to Georgia, also demonstrates less overall water loss. The results of the analysis are presented, showing comparison characteristics and opportunities for additional change to improve utility funding.
ISSN:2073-4441
2073-4441
DOI:10.3390/w16081080