Use leakage detection techniques to identify the location of water loss

Overview

This Standard is about using leakage detection techniques to identify the location of water loss. Techniques can include, but are not restricted to, acoustic, flow and pressure, step testing or visual.  This includes selecting suitable single or combinations of leakage detection methods, resource planning, setting up and configuring equipment, using results to identify location, prioritising the urgency of leakage situations, recording information and make sure the relevant people, including customers, are provided with updates.  Health, safety and hygiene procedures should be followed at all times. 

This Standard is for anyone who uses leakage detection techniques to identify the location of water loss.

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

    1. obtain and analyse current information from existing records and data
    2. select leakage detection methods that are appropriate for the condition and type of distribution infrastructure and its current characteristics

 

  1. select methods and techniques that comply with health, safety and environmental considerations whilst minimising effects on water supply, water quality and customers
  2. specify, and sequence, the extent and combination of leakage detection methods and techniques which will produce the most effective leakage detection activity
  3. use information from reliable sources to determine equipment and resource requirements, availability and cost effectiveness
  4. establish contingency plans in line with organisational procedures for situations where potential problems might occur
  5. confirm notification procedures are put in place in accordance with organisational requirements
  6. make sure those affected by testing are informed of the time and duration of tests and their effect on water supply before they start
  7. check equipment for leak detection is in working order and safe to use
  8. connect, set up and configure equipment in line with manufacturers’ instructions
  9. use results to identify and verify accurate location of leakage
  10. dismantle, clean and return equipment to storage in accordance with organisational requirements
  11. mark the position of leakage in accordance with organisational requirements
  12. record and report the position of leakage, including any local environmental or traffic conditions, in accordance with organisational requirements
  13. determine and advise on urgency and acceptable timescales for dealing with identified water loss in compliance with quantity, rate of water loss and organisational service standards
  14. determine the options for disruption to supply and potential extent of disruption that is necessary to deal with identified water loss situations
  15. report relevant details to appropriate people about detection methods and the need for any further investigation
  16. follow safe working and hygiene processes in accordance with approved procedures and practices

 

Knowledge & Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. leakage detection methods and techniques, their limitations and capabilities for different types of pipe in linear and non-linear configurations
  2. how leakage detection methods can be sequenced and combined
  3. how to determine their suitability for different circumstances
  4. the benefits of using noise suppression and when it is appropriate
  5. the purpose of using a velocity check in the event of material variations
  6. the relevance of condition and type of distribution infrastructure to leakage detection methods and techniques
  7. how to access and interpret existing records and data
  8. how to analyse trend information to determine potential impact of leakage detection techniques
  9. how to assess information about customers, traffic and resources
  10. how to determine the urgency of a water loss situation and who to advise
  11. how to determine supply disruption details
  12. how to determine equipment and resource requirements, availability and cost effectiveness
  13. how to determine potential effects on water supply, water quality and customers
  14. how to set up and calibrate equipment
  15. the implications of pipework configuration on test results
  16. relevant health, safety and environmental regulations
  17. organisational record keeping requirements with relation to leakage detection
  18. organisational service standards for leakage activities
  19. who to inform about problems and organisational procedures for doing so
  20. how to Identify those who may be affected by testing activities
  21. organisational notification procedures
  22. organisational contact policies for those affected by testing activities