Pressure management has been proven as one of the most effective intervention methods in the area due to the topography and high levels of wastage. Implementing the pressure management included Sectorisation, bulk metering, network upgrades, installation of new PRVs and reinstating existing installations.

Schematic drawings, hydraulic modelling and GIS were essential to obtain a proper understanding of the system operation. Deliverables included a schematic drawing, as-built plan books and updated hydraulic model of the complete system.

Bulk water reticulation upgrades were essential to improve water supply to the area. In excess of a 100 air valves were replaced on the two bulk mains supplying the system. Telemetry and remote system performance monitoring is crucial to ensuring reliable water supply. With the client a standard monthly reporting system was developed to identify key problem areas, a pilot GSM remote logger pilot project was undertaken to report water supply interruptions.

An active leak detection and repair programme was developed and rolled-out for the whole area. ALC also proved very successful, as most leaks are visible and easy to locate and repair.

Illegal connection were identified and removed in conjunction with the community. Alternative supplies were provided to avoid reconnection.

Consumer metering was undertaken in Ekangala to improve cost recovery. In excess of 10,000 new consumer meters were installed using local contractors.

Training and capacity building were provided on a continuous basis through formal courses on troubleshooting, bulk meter repair and replacement, control valves, and hand-on training.

Benefits to the Municipality - Water, Wastewater and Energy Savings

• Savings from this project amount to 5 million m³/annum
• A much better understanding of the system operation, problem areas and water loss magnitude.
• Establishment of 23 discrete zones with bulk meters
• Reinstating infrastructure that the client did not even know about, locating and fixing in excess of 200 leaks in one specific area.
• Training and capacity building of municipal staff.
• The supply capacity of the bulk supply main increased by 15% following the replacement of more than 100 air valves.

Expanding the Lifespan of the Network

• Pressure management proved very successful and will extend the lifespan of the networks significantly.
• Due to the excessive leakage the municipality closed off all storage tank outlets at night to save water. This practice is very detrimental to the reticulation work due to the negative pressures occurring in the system. Because of the project, this was stopped in several areas.

Benefits to the Community

• Intermittent supply problems have been resolved in several areas through this project.
• Consumers can now be metered and billed based on actual consumption with more than 10,000 new consumer meters installed.

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