Overview of Leak Detection Technologies A Summary of Capabilities and Costs
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
As droughts and changing climate patterns cause water shortages and potential water system disruptions, there is a growing need for water resilience, which is the ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from disruption. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) report on Water Audits and Water Loss Control for Public Water Systems [EPA, Water Audits and Water Loss Control for Public Water Systems] states that average water loss in distribution systems is 16%, 75% of which is lost through leaks. Commercially available leak detection technologies were researched to identify current capabilities and average use costs, including operation and management (O&M) considerations, how to operate the devices, and current limitations. It was found that the cost-effectiveness of leak detection technologies is not ubiquitous across all systems. Factors that must be taken into account include the size of the water system, the amount of water use, and the currently known water losses in the system. A variety of technologies are summarized to give water managers a basic understanding of the tools available to them, and help enable them to make a more informed choice of how to reduce water losses in their water systems.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Office of Workforce Development for Teachers & Scientists (WDTS)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1571292
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL--28885
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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