Methodology to detect and isolate water losses in water hydraulic networks: Application to Barcelona water network

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology to detect real water losses in urban water networks. The proposed method is based on the combined use of the DMA economical water balance confidence intervals for a period of time longer than a month (a trimester, semester or year) with appropriated night flow ratio intervals. This method allows distinguishing between real and apparent water losses in a given DMA. The use of uncertainty models allows taking into account measurement uncertainty of the flow data sensors. The use of different periods of time allows the stabilization of the results. This methodology is illustrated in a DMA of the Barcelona water distribution network using real data.