Drinking Water Distribution Network In Romania - Performance Estimation

The most developed technological object of the water supply system is the distribution network (in Romania the average network length is 2 to 10 metres per person). The distribution network is also the most used asset, due to the flow variation the pressure is continuously variable and the external dynamic traffic loads become significant. In time, this leads to a high percentage of water loss (up to 50%), has a significant impact on the water quality and increases the energy consumption (irrecoverable). All these translate into a carbon footprint of 2-5% (IWA Congress, Madrid 2014). The paper considers the case of a locality of 20.000 people serviced by an old underground water distribution network reporting a 40% water loss. The estimated energy loss exceeds 20% compared to a network operating under normal conditions. The study shows that network rehabilitation could decrease 10 to 20 times the Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI). The data analysis concludes the following: • The distribution network has to be thoroughly surveyed /analysed and a SCADA system should be used. The computation model needs to undergo periodic maintenance and updates based on the possible changes in the distribution system; • Modern equipment available nowadays should be used to adjust/customise the ILI values based on the local (Romanian) data. The World Bank is using a series of set values for ILI to compare / evaluate a possible loan needed for network rehabilitation – hence it is very important to have an ILI number calculated as best as possible.