State Water Resources Research Institute Program


Project ID: 2012GU229B
Title: Water System Leak Detection Training for Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC), the Federated States of Micronesia
Project Type: Information Transfer
Start Date: 3/01/2012
End Date: 2/28/2012
Congressional District: N/A
Focus Categories: Education, Water Supply, Management and Planning
Keywords: Water Resources, Training, Education, Operations and Maintenance
Principal Investigator: Khosrowpanah, Shahram (WERI University of Guam)
Federal Funds: $ 17,848
Non-Federal Matching Funds: $ 0
Abstract: Water system leakage is a serious problem for all utility agencies throughout the Western Pacific. It reduces the performance of the system and represents a big money loss to water utility agencies. The development of modern water distribution systems in the FSM started in 1970 with periodic upgrades sponsored through a series of US capital improvements projects. Despite this, the majority of systems operating today suffer from excess water leakages, some as high as 60% on some islands. Aside from the negative impact on revenues, such losses all too often result in water utility agencies being unable to provide their customer base with a reliable 24-hour water service. One relatively rapid and cost-effective means of overcoming this problem is to implement a simple leak detection program with appropriate equipment and training for water utilities personnel. At its 2009 meeting, the FSM Water Resources Advisory Council requested that WERI carry out a leak detection training program on all the major islands of the FSM (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae). In keeping with this request, WERI organized a leak detection training program in Kosrae, in 2010. At the recent request of the Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) funding is hereby sought to conduct a similar training program on the island of Pohnpei, which currently ranks among the most severely affected islands, insofar as no-revenue water losses from leaks are concerned. One representative from each of the other islands will participate in the program. We anticipate conducting a similar training program in Yap and Chuuk in future years.

The proposed training will be conducted over a one week period and will provide participants with a workable knowledge of leak detection theory. It will also consider common cause of water leakages in distribution systems and provide participants with hands-on field experience on how to find leaks and fix them. The topics to be presented at this proposed training exercise are summarized below:

  1. Leak detection theory and how to determine when a leaky survey is required;
  2. Economic benefits of a leak detection survey;
  3. How to incorporate a leak detection survey and/or permanent leak detection crew for your water facility;
  4. How to become familiar with various sounds created by leaks and type of leaks encountered;
  5. Types of leak detection surveys and proper record keeping;
  6. Getting familiar with various leak detection equipment and techniques. This will include field demonstrations, leak detection scenarios and exercises, general survey techniques, pinpointing strategies, estimating leakages, reporting, and vehicle setup.

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/2012grants/2012GU229B.html
Page Contact Information: Earl Greene
Page Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Jan-2013 02:39:35 EST