WATER PAGES
Delivering Ultra Low loss networks
Changing practices and approaches to laying new networks to deliver a leak-free future
WRc is delighted to share exciting details of a collaborative research programme on behalf of seven UK water and sewerage companies that will deliver critical insight on the long term requirements to reduce leakage by 50% fromcurrent levels by 2050, and the role new networks have to play in this. This new work builds on the experience of our technical specialists and technology partners in developing approaches for ultra-low loss networks overseas. It will provide robust and credible evidence on the longtermcosts, benefits and risks associated with leakage on new networks, be that associated with new developments or rehabilitation.
WRc’s technical director for the study, Glen Mountfort comments: “There are long term challenges associated with reducing leakage in the UK and EIRE. The laying of new networks, whether associated with population growth and new development, or the rehabilitation of existing networks, is one of the key long term tools that will be required in achieving National Infrastructure Commission recommendations1 and the stretching long-term reductions in leakage from current level that are a feature of companies Water Resource Management Plans.”
The need to lay leak free, or at the very least, ultra-low loss new networks is something that aligns with the UKWIR big question in relation to leakage2. If new networks are laid that don’t deliver ultra- low losses, this not only makes the likelihood of achieving the long-term goals unlikely, but every year that passes by can gradually add to the challenge of maintaining a static baseline.
In order to achieve ambitious and 54
stretching targets and reduction profiles for leakage over the coming decades it will be necessary to ensure that new network is as close to leak free as practically possible. The sooner this aim can be realised, the greater the longer-term benefit to the industry.
As part of this work, the collaboration will seek to understand the potential long-term benefit of the Pinweld solution to laying leak-free or ultra-low loss new networks, ensuring there is sufficiently robust data on costs, benefits and risks available to allow large scale trials to be conducted. Pinweld is a plastic welding development technology company.
William Betts, Strategy Manager at Thames Water, comments: “Obtaining low leak networks for the future is key to achieving our long-term leakage reduction goals. This project will help us assess the long term costs, benefits and risks associated with rehabilitating our network and installing new assets to enable development.”
John Birkhead, Water Demand Strategy Manager at United Utilities, said: “We’re very excited to be working with WRc on this project. Between 2020 and 2025 we have committed to reducing leakage by 15% and we see research projects such as this to be absolutely critical in supporting us to deliver our leakage reducton ambitions in
| March 2022 |
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the longer term”.
David Jacobs, Leakage Data Manager at Anglian Water commented: “We are delighted to be working with WRc to further develop our knowledge of our water network performance. This project will give us insight to how newer sections of the water network perform over time and inform our future leakage management strategies and water mains installation policies and practices”.
Phil Tapping, Regional Demand Manager Wholesale Water Services at Southern Water: “Southern Water have been working with the WRc for a number of years and they have provided us with detailed data analysis and technical support on a number of important schemes. We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this project with them, the results of which will assist in our future planning and strategies to reduce leakage and meet our very challenging targets”.
Paul Taylor, Leakage Strategy Manager at Severn Trent Water, commented: “Enthusiastic that WRc are bringing their expertise to this project and to water companies. in order to deliver huge leakage reductions in the coming years, it is critical that we create networks that don’t leak. This project will contribute to that.”
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