10.10 CASE STUDY FOUR

Systematic Water Loss Reduction through Technology Application

Kenneth J. Brothers, P.Eng., Halifax Regional Water Commission,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

This presentation summarizes the results of a systematic water loss reduction through a phased approach of acoustic leak detection programs, SCADA and zone metering implementation, and the introduction of noise correlator technology. Several system case studies will be reviewed to track the reduction of water leakage recaptured from the application of these technologies over periods of time.

This case study occurred in the Halifax Regional Municipality, in the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Nova Scotia is located on the eastern edge of Canada s Maritime Provinces. The Halifax Regional Municipality is the capital region of Nova Scotia and the cultural, commercial, and financial center of the province with a population of approximately 325,000 people.

The Halifax Regional Water Commission is a newly formed regional water utility comprising three former water utilities in the Halifax metropolitan area. In 1996, the provincial government legislated the amalgamation of four municipalities into the Halifax Regional Municipality. The three former utilities, Halifax Water Commission, Dartmouth Water Utility, and Halifax County Water Utility, were amalgamated into the Halifax Regional Water Commission. These former water utilities operated independently and had varying degrees of leak detection activity, SCADA application, and metering.

Before one can evaluate any water loss reduction, it is interesting to review the infrastructure and history of the water systems under evaluation. The City of Halifax was established in 1749. It was originally serviced...