A Global Problem, Local Losses – Why Leakage Reduction is a Necessity

AUTHORS: Ignacio Gandarillas – Aquestia / Marek Lawniczak – Radius/AEON

Drinking water is one of the most precious resources, and yet more than one third of all water supplied to water distribution networks worldwide is lost before reaching the end consumer. In many countries losses reach 40–50%, and the total global cost exceeds 14 billion dollars annually.

Where Do Losses Come From?

Water losses in networks have various sources: invisible leaks, illegal abstractions, metering errors and service connection failures. The IWA recommends reducing leaks to 8–10%, supplemented by appropriate pressure management. Pressure Management is one of the most effective and cost-efficient tools – well-calibrated control valve systems lower pressure at night, stabilise network operation and reduce the risk of pipe bursts.

CEUTA – Proof That Proper Network Management Works

Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa (85,000 inhabitants), is highly dependent on seawater desalination. A 374 km network and growing demand required advanced loss minimisation methods. ACEMSA partnered with AEON-AQUESTIA: DMA sector division, active leakage control and installation of high-precision PRV pressure reducing valves.

Results

• Significant reduction in water losses
• Pressure stabilisation throughout the network
• Extended infrastructure service life
• Improved supply quality during peak hours
• More effective leakage detection and reduced operating costs

5 Benefits of AEON-AQUESTIA PRV/VRP Control Valves

• Stable operation at very low flows
• Protection against cavitation
• Multiple operating modes: constant pressure, dual set-point, full modulation
• Remote control and real-time telemetry
• Quick installation and low operating costs

Technology of the Future – VRP with Full Pressure Modulation

Unlike classic P1/P2 pilots, AEON-AQUESTIA modulating valves respond in real time to changing conditions. Electronic VRP valves provide automatic regulation, data recording, Bluetooth communication, ModBus/OPC protocols, IP65/IP68 sealing and full system integration.

Summary

Water losses represent real costs and enormous environmental impact. The experience of Ceuta shows: PRV, VRP and DMA technology can drastically improve network efficiency and reduce losses by several tens of percent within a few years.