Abstract
Water losses are a growing concern in South Africa and globally. Due to its low average annual rainfall, South Africa is classified as a water-scarce country. Compounding this issue, over 40% of the system input volume is lost, with more than 60% of these losses categorized as real losses, primarily due to leakages. Most of these occur during water distribution, particularly in pipelines, fittings, and valves. Water utilities face increasing challenges in balancing supply and demand. This dissertation presents the outcomes of various leak detection technologies applied simultaneously in Rand Water's distribution system to manage water losses and reduce pipeline leakages. The study investigates the causes of leaks in the Rand Water network and explores effective, cost-efficient methods to minimize avoidable Non-Revenue Water (NRW). Technologies such as SmartBall and Piper technology leak detection were employed, alongside Long Range Guided Ultrasonic Waves (GUL) and Magnetic Tomography Method (MTM) Gradient for pipeline condition assessment. These methods evaluated pipe wall thickness and suggested appropriate repair techniques to reduce leaks.
The study successfully detected and pinpointed numerous leaks and demonstrated that using diverse leak detection and repair technologies can help Rand Water meet its target of reducing avoidable NRW to acceptable levels. It highlights the importance of proactive maintenance, timely repairs, and comprehensive leakage management strategies in ensuring the sustainability and reliability of water distribution systems.