Water Usage Management Specialist Services

Water Management is the combined activity of planning, control of distributing and the
education of the use of water resources under defined water polices and regulations.

Focusing on Technology in the water industry
by Con Badenhorst

Life is too short to become an expert on everything; that is why Southern Africa Leak Detection Distributors (Sewerin) focuses only on the potable sector of the water industry.

 

An asset without constant information becomes a liability

There are a few misconceptions in today’s modern society:
“If there is a leak, it will surface” - what if it finds it’s way into a storm-water drain / fissure? The certainty is that it WILL show itself in a Dolomite area... eventually.

“High pressure is good?”

The simple illustration is this: If your car tire is over-inflated/pressurized, what simply happens is that you have lower control, higher wear and are at risk of a failure. Spikes only last a fraction of a second, but can harm your asset, making it a liability. In SA, any plumber worth his water knows the importance of a PRV and good pressure balance.

 

“A high water bill could mean a faulty water meter?”

In fact, water meters are much like cars, deteriorating and performing worse, becoming less accurate as they age. Councils replace water meters, in part, to increase resolution and therefore increase their revenue. They appreciate you reporting your faulty water meter, as you are drawing attention to a possible under-billing scenario. Most of the time, a high water bill means you are using more water... simple. And a high bill means a leak, but most importantly it means loss of revenue.

 

“If I have a leak, the Council will reimburse me the money for the high account?”

If you speed, does council reimburse you your excess fuel and traffic fines? You are responsible for your property. They are providing a utility to you up to a ‘billing point’ (water meter).

 

"How do I know if there is a water leak on my property?"

• Check the toilets to ensure that the rubber seal is effective and water does not continually run into the bowl.
• If a hissing sound can be heard from the water pipes where no taps are running, there is probably a leak.
• Look out for any damp areas on the ground or on the walls where your water pipes are located.
• Make sure that the geyser is not overflowing by checking the overflow pipe, which should protrude from the roof.
• One of the easiest ways to check if you have a leak on your property is to make sure that all taps are closed and to then take the reading on your water meter. If after approximately 30 minutes later the meter reading has changed and your taps are all still shut, there is definitely a leak.
• Make sure that no taps are leaking - a dripping tap can waste more that 200 liters of water per day, or about 6.5 kiloliters a month.

“If I have a leak, the Council will tell me?”

They may, in fact, do this, but have lee-way to perform what we call an ‘interim readings’ to provide a monthly figure for billing. The worst-case scenario is this: IF you have an underground burst/leak near the time of the last reading, then next month the meter reader has to make an interim reading, when they do an actual reading, the reading will be an alarm to then and yourselves of a leak. PROBLEM is that you’re now 60+ days INTO loss and still in need of leak detection and repair. This may only mean a few thousand rand for a domestic client, but massive for larger entities.

 

"What should I do If I am approached by someone who claims they can reduce my monthly account?"

• Do not allow anyone to tamper or interfere with your meter or pipes leading to the meter.
• Obtain as much information from the person as possible.
• Telephone the relevant Customer Care Center for advice.
• You will be held liable should your meter be found to be tampered with.

"What is meter tampering?"

• Any action resulting in the breaking of a seal, the opening, adjustment or removal of a meter, bypassing the meter, opening of a meter box or interfering with the meter or Municipal wiring, piping or other installations in any matter constitutes tampering.
• Only authorized Municipal contractors are permitted to work on water meters and water mains piping.
• Severe penalties will be imposed on any person found to have tampered with their water meter.
• Tampering constitutes fraud and may result in criminal charges.

 

The new correct approach is to assess, adjust, know and control. Water Management and Leak Detection are essential for any water professional - Water is Life, but could be the financial death of many.

 

Know your water network:

Pipe Location, mapping, Leak Detection, and analysis of current reticulation and needs - this is pivotal in determining methods of monitoring and control. This should include the installation of temporary monitoring systems.

 

If you think you have a leak, Contact Us and we will have a consultant give you a call.