Leakage Problems and the Benefits off Leak Detection Programs

The problem of leakage and the benefits of a leakage detection program need to be assessed in light of the economic and resource waste caused by water main leaks. It is obvious that leaks in a water system at any place between the raw water collection point and the point of final water consumption are sometimes very costly. Lack of attention to leak detection, whether by the water utility or the end user, cannot be tolerated in today's world of costly energy and limited resources. On the whole, private water companies appear to be more alert for water loss because of the profit motive and the scrutiny of public utilities commissions, but many municipally-owned water utilities also do an excellent job. The caveats expressed here are directed to the water utility which, having calculated the percentage of unaccounted-for water, does nothing to reduce this water loss.