Calm networks and leakage reduction

Optimising current networks and assets

WRc delivers a range of leakage management services, from strategy and data-related projects through to practical field support.

Regulatory support

Designed for water companies, this service involves us acting as the ‘critical friend’ by reviewing data and reporting, challenging methodologies and providing recommendations and guidance to support robust leakage management and regulatory submissions.

Cost-benefit analysis

Whether through the estimation of sustainable economic level of leakage (SELL) or other leakage reduction components such as cost-curve analysis and cost–benefit assessments of asset installation, renewal or intervention programmes, this enables clients to rationalise investment decisions, rationalise business cases and demonstrate the long-term benefits of leakage reduction activities.

Water balance and meter uncertainty assessments

We review the accuracy and robustness of water balance calculations and the underlying data, including the assessment of meter performance and uncertainty, as well as DMA or area water audits. This ensures that reported leakage figures are reliable and that both operational and investment decisions are based on a sound evidence base.

Data analysis and leakage modelling

We produce leakage measurement and targeting datasets, such as the natural rate of rise in leakage, background leakage estimates and entry and exit levels for targeting and leakage prediction. WRc can also support the operationalisation of these datasets, turning theoretical calculations into practical tools and information that can be readily used by operational teams.

Network and DMA analysis

We use flow, pressure, telemetry and hydraulic modelling data to understand network performance, identify abnormal losses and support the targeting of leakage detection and repair activity. This can include localised live water balance and DMA analysis to help identify and respond to leakage events and company-wide optimisation and analysis through our WANDa platform.

Strategic and trunk main leakage management

This includes analysis of upstream and strategic networks to identify areas of high leakage, quantify losses and develop costed intervention programmes before field activity is undertaken.

Field-based leakage support

Support includes leak detection surveys and specialist in-pipe leak detection using technologies such as SmartBall®, Sahara® and PipeDiver®, alongside conventional field investigation. These approaches enable leakage to be located, assessed and quantified, with the resulting information used to prioritise repairs.

Field data collection

Teams are able to undertake pressure, transient and domestic consumption logging, providing the detailed operational data required to validate assumptions, investigate leakage and improve network understanding.

Asset condition and intervention assessment

We combine leakage information with asset condition, failure history and network performance to support decisions around repair, rehabilitation or replacement. This provides a link between leakage management and longer-term asset management and resilience planning.

Combined with strategy, modelling and data analysis capabilities, WRc provides a fully flexible service spanning strategy, regulation, economics, data, modelling and operational field support. This enables leakage issues to be investigated, from identification and quantification through to targeted field investigation, intervention and longer-term management.