Effect of leakage location on pressure deficiency index of water distribution network

ABSTRACT Hydraulic assessment of water distribution networks (WDNs) is the fundamental process to check their efficiency in providing sufficient water with desirable pressure at the consumer end. The presence of leakage leads to reduction in the efficiency of the system. The relationship between leakage location and its effect on network behavior has not yet been analyzed effectively. In the present study, influence of leakage and its location is analyzed for the purpose of hydraulic assessment and leakage management. A network with leakages at different locations is developed in the laboratory and its leakage rates are analyzed using pressure-driven demand and leakage (PDDL) approach. The same method is applied to a real-life distribution system for verification. To check the effect of the leakage location, a pressure deficiency index (PDI) is considered as a hydraulic performance indicator in this study. Results show the relationship between the leakage location and variation in PDI. Findings of this study provide an effective reference for real-life WDN leakage management.