Economic Optimization of Distribution Leakage Control

Evry WATER DISTRIBUTION system has an economic optimum level of leakage. To maintain that optimum level of leakage there is a corresponding optimum level of leakage control activity. Despite much work on this subject, particularly in recent years with publication of DoE Report No. 261, many undertakers remain unclear about their economic optimum leakage level and how much effort is required to maintain that level. This paper describes development of an economic model which attempts to quantify optimum leakage through measurement of parameters which should be readily available or obtainable. The model was originally developed specifically for routine sounding. However, extension of the basic principles allows development of a general optimization theory. The paper then shows how the theory can be applied to optimization of district metering