Analysis of the water distribution main replacement conundrum in Durban.
Loading...
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The optimisation of the decision of when to replace water distribution mains is a complex task.
There are numerous drivers in the decision making process (informed by financial data,
performance data and water quality data) and hundreds of variables and performance indicators
that can be considered when trying to reach an optimised decision. Most of the assets under
consideration are buried and the internal and external pipe conditions are not easily assessable,
forcing the Utility to rely on the available direct and indirect variables from which conclusions
on the reliability of the mains are to be inferred. The cost of mains replacement is relatively low
but the assessment cost, if carried out can be relatively high. The total value of a metropolitan
distribution network typically runs into billions of rands but the impact of an individual pipe
failure is generally low. The distribution network is comprised of many different pipe materials
and components, of different pressure classes, made by different manufacturers, installed by
numerous contractors with different skill levels under differing quality control regimens over
many years. To add to this complexity, various parts of the network are operated at different
static pressures and varying velocities. Some sections of the network are isolated more often
than others and at times there can be large pressure surges that the network is subjected to by
either the Utility or Consumer. These pressure surges are known to have a marked detrimental
effect on the network.
False markers also exist that can give rise to totally incorrect decisions and therefore
performance data cannot be accepted at face value and needs to be scrutinised and cleansed to
increase its reliability prior to being utilised in decision making process. This important step has
been missed by much of the research carried out to date. In the Durban context, a further
complication is caused by consumers tampering with the water mains and also not reporting
leaks. This has a negative effect on the performance of the water main that can cause it to be
flagged for replacement, but its replacement will not result in an increase in performance if the
social issues are not resolved first.
The aim of this research is to make recommendations on the methodology to be employed to
improve network performance and thereby delay the point at which the water mains are to be
replaced for as long as possible. These recommended activities will be carried out to remove
false markers and improve upon the quality and reliability of the data available on the network
performance. A further output is to make recommendations regarding the minimum data that
can be reasonably collected and analysed in order to determine an optimised result. The
recommendation of which mains should be targeted for replacement should result in the highest
benefit for the utility as well as the consumers. By implication, this will result lowest long term
capital and operational expenditure and thus the lowest long term tariffs charged to the
consumers whilst complying with the water quality criteria and service level targets.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.
Keywords
Water--Distribution., Water-supply engineering--KwaZulu-Natal--Durban., Theses--Civil engineering.