Effects of number of connections and pipe length to the water losses in Melaka

Abstract

One of the major challenges facing our water utilities is the high level of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in the distribution networks. This paper assessed the performance of current management practices by Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB) to deal with NRW. Information and NRW management data (from 2012 to 2013) were gathered and analysed. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the effects of pipe length and number of connections of the distribution network to the leakage level; and to determine the causes of leakage (water loss). In 2014, Melaka’s NRW percentage was 21.4% as compared to the national average of 35.6%, which is the second lowest rate among the states in Malaysia. Results of the study revealed significant positive relationships between average MNF (L/s) with number of connections and pipe length, with the prediction model of average MNF (L/s)=-4.42+1.088*10-2(NC)+1.07*10-4(PL), R2= 73.19%. The results also indicated that in a compact and urbanized city like Melaka, number of connections in the network appears to be most influential to the average MNF (water loss) (shown by a strong positive relationship, r = 0.847) as compared to the less compact zone (such as Perak) where pipe length appears to be more influential.