Pressure and leakage management in a water system using integrated mathematical models and leakage specialist software: the non-revenue water reduction project of Tea Acque Srl Mantova

The paper describes the actions performed for leakage reduction in a water distribution system in Mantova (Italy). This study involves the integration of a mathematical model and other specialist software in order to convert five existing district metered areas (DMAs) to pressure management areas (PMAs), and create six additional new DMAs, to improve pressure control and management of leakages. The mathematical model presents some unique features, particularly the simulation of the spatial-time variations of BAC (Billed Authorized Consumption) and NRW (Non Revenue Water) applied in presence of DMAs properly defined. In order to calculate the Pressure Adjusted NRW Volume, the average value of the N1 pressure-leakage relationship exponent during the period of the Baseline Survey was established by means of N1 tests involving stepping down pressures into the zone during the period of minimum flow and recording the changes in average zone pressure and in the zone inflow. The methodology itself demonstrates its validity regarding the assessment of reduced bursts frequency and reduced energy consumption in the overall network