"Smart" water network comes to life

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A water network with brains is taking shape in Manchester as engineers break new ground in the battle on leakage.

Innovative thinking from United Utilities is combining advanced computer modelling with intelligent valves to fine-tune water pressures and so cut the amount lost through leaks.

The North West has escaped the severe water shortages which affected other parts of the UK this Spring and United Utilities has met its leakage targets set by industry regulator Ofwat for the last five years.

Supply and demand manager Dr Richard Blackwell, said the "smart” water network was a first for a UK water company, building on successful trials already carried out on the company’s pipes in Cumbria.

"We have to maintain a baseline water pressure for all our customers, but in some areas it can be much, much higher. While this isn't a problem for people, it does increase the amount of water which escapes from pipes. By optimising the pressure we can stop some small leaks from happening altogether and make the others smaller. Over a wide area the effect could be quite significant."

Initial results from the west Cumbria scheme indicate that it is already saving 25,000 litres of water an hour, which might otherwise have escaped as leaks. Engineers are optimistic that, once all the new equipment has been installed, the effect on leaks will be even more significant.

"We have used pressures to tackle leakage before but we have never been able to be so scientific about it," said United Utilities' network strategy manager Derek Clucas.

"Computer hydraulic modelling allows us to pinpoint the ideal pressure in any network of pipes to keep the taps flowing while cutting back on leaks as much as we can. It can calculate pinch points where new pipework may be needed to boost the pressure in certain areas at times of peak demand

"The new valves are also more sophisticated. They respond independently to fluctuations in water pressure and dynamically adjust water flows to keep it constant, even at night when hardly anyone is using water, and which is the time most leakage happens."

The £5 million project will focus on the Manchester area but also will fund extensions of the scheme in other areas such as Southport and Blackburn. It is expected to be fully up and running by Summer 2013.