Smart Water Loss Management Project in Jangheung, Republic of Korea

 

Title : Smart Water Loss Management Project in Jangheung, Republic of Korea

Period : (First round) March 9 – March 14, 2023 / (Second round) March 19 – March 22, 2023

Introduction

The Jangheung project successfully identified leak points after an extensive investigation of 871 water meters and valves, leading to significant reductions in MNF(Minimum Night Flow). The project is expected to save around 36,500 tons of water annually, contributing to improved water efficiency in the region. This case serves as an important example for enhancing water management and reducing NRW across local regions in South Korea.

Key Activities

Here are key onsite activities during the projects

  • Leak Sound Data Collection: WI.Plat gathered leak sound data from 871 water meters and valves, providing a comprehensive overview of potential leak sources in the area.
  • Leak Detection: From the collected data, 149 suspected leak points were identified, allowing for precise targeting in further investigations.
  • Precision Leak Investigation: Detailed investigations confirmed 15 actual leak sites, providing valuable insights into the condition of the local water distribution network.
  • Restoration and Monitoring: After repairing the leaks, WI.Plat monitored MNF to assess the effectiveness of the repairs

Results

The project yielded significant results:

  • Confirmed Leak Points: 15
  • Annual Water Savings: Approximately 36,500 tons
  • MNF Reduction: Significant improvements across the targeted districts

 

KOICA CTS Seed 1 Project in Sukabumi, Indonesia

 

Title : KOICA CTS Seed 1 Project in Sukabumi, Indonesia

Period : 16-month period from April 2021 to July 2022

 

Introduction

In the vibrant city of Sukabumi, Indonesia, WI.Plat embarked on a transformative journey with the KOICA CTS project aimed at redefining water management practices. This case study explores the pivotal changes brought about in two District Metered Areas (DMAs) of Kadudampit and Badukarut, home to 3,200 households, over a 16-month period from April 2021 to July 2022.

 

Strategic Approach and Implementation

WI.Plat’s NELOW system, an AI-driven water management solution, was at the core of this project. The implementation process involved:

  • A comprehensive pipe network investigation and assessment.
  • The deployment of the NELOW system to monitor and manage the water network.
  • Capacity building for 20 local engineers in utilizing the NELOW system for effective water loss management.
  • Systematic water leak inspections and detections conducted by the newly trained local engineers.
  • Water leak recovery operations carried out by a local company, reinforcing the project’s commitment to community engagement and empowerment.

 

Sustainable Development and Local Empowerment

The project yielded significant results:

  • A total of 40 leak points were detected and subsequently repaired.
  • These efforts culminated in annual water savings of 547,000 tons
  • The project’s success translated into the provision of additional clean water resources for approximately 6,000 people, based on the daily usage rate of 0.25 tons per person.

One of the most noteworthy outcomes was the capacity building of local engineers. This initiative not only facilitated the project’s objectives but also ensured sustainability through skill transfer and empowerment. The local engineers, equipped with new expertise, carried out water leak detection independently, showcasing the project’s impact on enhancing local technical capabilities.

 

Outcome: AI and Local Expertise, WI.Plat’s Impact on Sukabumi’s Water Management

The KOICA CTS project in Sukabumi is a testament to the potential of AI in revolutionizing water management. By integrating advanced technology with local expertise, WI.Plat not only addressed the immediate challenges of water loss but also laid the foundation for sustainable water resource management, leaving a lasting legacy in the city of Sukabumi.

 

Intelligent Water Leak Detection Technology and ICT-based Water Leak Management Systems in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan

 

Title : Intelligent Water Leak Detection Technology and ICT-based Water Leak Management Systems in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan

Period : 12 months (2022)

 

Introduction

The Asian Development Bank’s Technical Assistance project introduced an intelligent water leak detection and ICT-based water management system in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Running for 12 months in 2022, the initiative targeted Jodhpur and Dehradun, aiming to modernize leak detection through IoT, AI, and cloud technologies.

 

Project Objectives

The objective of project was to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the implementation of an intelligent water loss management system across selected sites in Jodhpur and Dehradun by integrating modern technologies such as IoT, AI, and cloud services, the initiative sought to enhance the capacity of local water management teams through pilot projects. These efforts were aimed at significantly reducing water loss and carbon dioxide emissions, thereby improving the efficiency and sustainability of water resource management in the targeted cities.

 

Execution Highlights

  • Kick-off and on-site assessments commenced in April, laying the groundwork for successful project deployment.
  • The project provided advanced devices, including 8 sets of Sonic M1 and 13 i-Loggers, facilitating precise data collection.
  • A NELOW server was established, incorporating web and application servers for comprehensive data management and accessibility.
  • Over 30 individuals were trained, strengthening local expertise in using the new technology for water management.

 

Outcome

  • Data collection included 275 leak sound data points, alongside water flow and pressure data, enabling the detection of 16 suspicious leak points.
  • The project achieved an estimated annual water loss reduction of 43,800 cubic meters and a carbon reduction of 20,940 kg.
  • Capacity building was conducted, involving 30 people across three official training programs, enhancing the community’s ability to manage water resources effectively.

 

Intelligent water loss management system pilot project in Binh Thuan, Vietnam

 

Title : Intelligent water leak management system pilot project

Period : May 2021 ~ Nov 2021

 

Introduction

The Binh Thuan province in Vietnam has been facing significant challenges with water loss, leading to reduced availability of clean water for its residents. To address this issue, the pilot project was carried out to develop and implement an intelligent water loss management system in the province. The system aimed to detect and locate leaks in the water distribution network using advanced technology, ultimately reducing water loss and improving water resource management in the region.

The pilot project in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam is an initiative aimed at developing and implementing an intelligent water loss management system. The system incorporates advanced technologies such as mobile acoustic IoT sensors, pressure data loggers, and ultrasonic flow meters to detect and analyze water leaks in the network. The project is designed to reduce water loss and improve the efficiency of water resource management in the province.

 

Pilot project execution

The project began with the construction of the NELOW server and implementation of the software, followed by the upload of GIS data to the system. The next phase of the project involved the inspection of water leaks at 3,330 points in the distribution network using mobile acoustic sensors. Unlike previous methods that required professional staff to conduct leak detection, the project used local non-professional individuals who were trained in the use of the mobile sensors. This approach not only increased the efficiency of the process but also provided employment opportunities for the local population.

As a result of the leak detection works, a total of 15 water leak points were detected in the distribution network. These leak points were then repaired, leading to a significant reduction in water loss and improvement in water supply for the local population. Furthermore, water flow measurements were conducted to validate the performance of the water loss reduction measures implemented.

 

[Smart IoT device for NELOW]

 

[GIS management in NELOW]

 

[Water leak sound data collected points]

 

[Sound data collection method with Sonic M1]

 

 

Outcome

Through the implementation of the NELOW system and various water management exercises, a total of 188,340 cubic meters of annual water loss was saved. This reduction in water loss led to improved water resource management, ensuring the provision of clean and safe water to the community.

The success of the project was largely attributed to the NELOW server construction and software implementation, which allowed for the efficient management of water resources and the detection of water leaks. In addition, GIS data was uploaded to NELOW, allowing for better visualization and analysis of water resource data.

One of the unique features of this project was the use of non-professional local people for water leak detection using mobile acoustic sensors. This approach not only provided employment opportunities for the local community but also helped reduce costs and improve efficiency in water resource management.

 

P4G Project in Hai Duong, Vietnam

Title : Intelligent water leak management system pilot project

Period : Aug 2021 ~ Dec 2021 (5 Months)

Outcome

  • Capacity building : 7 engineers

  • Water leak detection : 14 points

  • Water leak reduction : 7 ㎥/hr

 

Introduction

The P4G project, a collaboration between VUCICO Vietnam, VWSA, HADUWACO, HUCE, and WI.Plat, was conducted from July 2021 to April 2022 in Hai Duong, Vietnam. This project aimed to implement the Intelligent Water Leakage Management Platform across 3 District Metered Areas (DMAs), each serving 2,000 to 3,000 households, to address water loss issues.

 

Objective and Implementation

The project’s goal was to build local expertise in water leakage management and reduce water leakage by 30% within the targeted areas. It involved deploying the NELOW system, which included setting up a cloud-based server for data storage and analysis, and providing smart devices like mobile acoustic IoT sensors and ultrasonic flow meters for data collection on water distribution.

 

No Barrier was existed even during Pandemic for this Global Project

During the pilot project in Hai Duong city’s DMAs, over 10 engineers in each city were trained to use the NELOW system for detecting water leaks. The integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) data into NELOW improved the precision in locating water infrastructure, leading to efficient leak detection and management. Initial assessments identified several leaks, which were promptly repaired, showcasing a notable improvement in water conservation and reducing non-revenue water percentages.

 

Significant Leaks were Detected and Recovered Successfully

The project achieved significant reductions in water loss, validating the effectiveness of the NELOW system in improving water supply management and efficiency. The initiative also illustrated the potential for scaling this technology to other areas, representing a substantial advancement in intelligent water management practices.

 

Conclusion

The successful implementation of the P4G project in Hai Duong illustrates a practical approach to tackling water loss with advanced technology. By adopting intelligent water management systems like NELOW, there is a clear path forward for enhancing water efficiency and sustainability in urban settings, contributing positively to the management of water resources.