In this paper, a novel field-oriented methodology to setup real-time control (RTC) for leakage reduction by pressure control valves in water distribution networks is presented. The paper introduces modalities to address the selection of proper RTC system architecture based on the network connectivity at the valve sites. Criteria for target node identification and RTC strategy selection in case of single-control (one valve–one target node) and multiple-control (multiple valve–one target node) architectures are developed. The impact on the control performance of controller calibration and communication protocol selection procedures, and of background noise in pressure signals is also explored. Then, developed criteria and procedures are applied to a Norwegian water distribution network in which a future field-pilot RTC system will be installed. Benefits in terms of pressure control effectiveness and water leakage reduction are evaluated by simulation under different control scenarios as a basic step...

Pipelines account for the lion’s share of the lifetime costs of any typical urban wastewater collection. While the deterioration of pipeline is the obvious “frontline” reason to adopt asset management practices, a more overarching driver is the need to gravitate toward sustainable development and set short- and long-term objectives encompassing economic, social, and environmental goals. Optimizing the expenses and providing the required levels of service to customers are the twin targets of wastewater utilities. Oslo Vann og Avløpsetaten—the water/wastewater utility in the Norwegian capital, considered as case study in this paper, is sprucing up its data bank, rightly realizing that a very effective information management system is the spine of asset management.

The efficient and effective management of existing water distribution systems (WDSs) faces challenges related to aging of infrastructure, population growth, extended urbanization, climate change impacts and environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a need for integrated solutions that support decision makers to plan today potential interventions, considering the possible consequences and variations in mid- and long-term perspectives. This study is a part of a more comprehensive project, where advanced hydraulic analysis of WDS is coupled with a dynamic resources input-output analysis model. The proposed modeling solution provides a robust tool to support planning of intervention actions and can be applied to optimize the performance of a water supply system considering energy consumption and environmental impacts. This paper presents an application of the proposed method in pipe rehabilitation/replacement planning, maximizing the network mechanical reliability and minimizing the risk of unsupplied water demand and pressure deficit evaluated at nodal level, under given economic constraints.

Analytical tools used in infrastructure asset management of urban water pipe networks are reliant on asset data. Traditionally, data required by analytical tools has not been collected by most water utilities because it has not been needed. The data that is collected might be characterised by low availability, integrity and consistency. A process is required to support water utilities in assessing the accuracy and completeness of their current data management approach and defining improvement pathways in relation to their objectives. This study proposes a framework to enable increased data-driven asset management in pipe networks. The theoretical basis of the framework was a literature review of data management for pipe network asset management and its link to the coherence of set objectives. A survey to identify the current state of data management practice and challenges of asset management implementation in five Swedish water utilities and three focus group workshops with the same utilities was carried out. The main findings of this research were that the quality of pipe network datasets and lack of interoperability between asset management tools are drivers for creating data silos between asset management levels, which may hinder the implementation of data-driven asset management. Furthermore, these findings formed the basis for the proposed conceptual framework. The suggested framework aims to support the selection, development and adoption of improvement pathways to enable increased data-driven asset management in municipal pipe networks. Results from a preliminary application of the proposed framework are also presented.

A risk-based approach to support water utilities in terms of defining pipe rehabilitation priorities is presented. In a risk analysis in the risk management process, the probability that a given event will happen and the consequences if it does happen have to be estimated and combined. In the quantitative risk analysis, numerical values are assigned to both consequence and probability. In this study, the risk event addressed was the inability to supply water due to pipe breaks. Therefore, on the probability side, the probability of pipes breaking was assessed, and on the consequence side, the reduced ability to satisfy the water demand (hydraulic reliability) due to pipe breakage was computed. Random Forest analysis was implemented for the probability side, while the Asset Vulnerability Analysis Toolkit was used to analyse the network’s hydraulic reliability. Pipes could then be ranked based on the corresponding risk magnitude, thereby feeding a risk evaluation step; at this step, decisions are made concerning which risks need treatment, and also concerning the treatment priorities, i.e., rehabilitation priorities. The water distribution network of Trondheim, Norway, was used as a case study area, and this study illustrates how the developed method aids the development of a risk-based rehabilitation plan.