Page 26 - Water Loss Control

8 Cha pte r T w o

efficient and cost-effective way of life for sustainable communities. Various technolo-
gies to reclaim, reuse, or recycle water for nonpotable uses are now required practice in
many forward-thinking communities, as these methods satisfy multiple needs for water
supply. Some communities are constructing separate, dual distribution systems to con-
vey reclaimed water for uses such as outdoor irrigation and fire fighting. All of these
innovations reflect progressive thinking on ways to supply growing populations despite
static or declining resources. Still, these modified methods of supply and demand man-
agement require notable investments in infrastructure, public education, and legisla-
tion. It makes as much sense to seek to economically control losses since loss volumes
represent water that has already been treated and energized for delivery to prevailing
standards, only to fail to reach customer use (real losses) or generate revenue to the
water utility (apparent losses).

2.3 Historic Water Supply and Milestones in Water Loss Control
Water distribution systems have been in use for thousands of years. The ancient Egyp-
tians, Greeks, and Romans all captured, treated, and distributed water in ways not dis-
similar to those we use today. The technology has changed, however, the basics remain
much the same:

• Source
• Primary lift stations
• Storage
• Pumping or gravity supply
• Transmission system
• Distribution system
• Customer service connection piping, some with, and some without water meters

Even ancient people were concerned with controlling their water losses. Around
40 million gal of water per day were supplied to ancient Rome through a network of
260 mi (420 km) of pipe work and channels. The pipelines and channels were made of
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brick and stone with cement linings along with some lead pipes. It appears that service
connections were 20 mm or ¾ in with simple stopcock arrangements, not so different to
what we use today! The first system was installed in 312 B.C. There were approximately
250 reservoir sites and the system was gravity fed. A commissioner and his team con-
sisting of engineers, technicians, workers, and clerks administered this system. One of
the priority jobs was to locate and repair leaks.
The durability of the workmanship of the ancient aqueducts is evidenced by the fact
that one system installed between A.D. 98 and 117 is still in use in Spain. Not many
water systems, or infrastructure of any kind, can boast such a history!
Innovations in water distribution system management evolved as community water
systems became standard infrastructure in developing countries. Important develop-
ments included
• 1800s: Formulas for unavoidable leakage (Kuichling)
• 1800s: Pitot rod district measurements
• 1800s: Simple wooden sounding rods