Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Drinking water distribution systems take water to indoor taps, taps in yards and public taps.
• Water pipes are now mainly made of plastic that last at least 100 years, and they are easier to transport and lay than metal pipes.
• Care must be taken when handling water so as not to contaminate it.
• Non-revenue water is water from which no income comes to the water utility. This includes water that is used by the water utility in its operations, water that is not recorded as used, water that is stolen through illegal water connections and water that is lost by leakage.
• Leakage, the biggest portion of non-revenue water, results in lost revenue, less water being available for supply, and damage to infrastructure.
• Leakage occurs when pipelines are old and corroded, badly constructed, poorly maintained and damaged externally by digging or internally by aggressive water.
• Leakage control can be proactive or active using equipment such as correlators, acoustic loggers, and ground penetrating radar. There are simple methods available to discover water leaks in the home. Illegal connections deprive water utilities of income, and can result in the contamination of water mains through back-siphonage.
• Sustainability in water distribution and supply can be ensured by using robust, long-lasting pipes, laid appropriately, in locations where the pressure on the pipes and vibration are minimised. Maintenance, leakage control, the elimination of illegal connections and the minimisation of water use will also contribute to sustainability.