Optimizing Leak Detection Using Virtual District Metering Areas (vDMAs)

According to World Bank, a 30% gap exists between the volume of water delivered by utilities versus the amount of water billed, costing the global economy $14 billion every year. This discrepancy of non-revenue water (NRW) is driven by a combination of real losses (leakage in the distribution system) and apparent losses (water consumed but not paid for caused by inaccurate meters, billing problems or theft), as well as unbilled authorized consumption (i.e., firefighting and system flushing).

Today, progressive utilities are using digital technologies to create virtual district metering areas (vDMAs), eliminating the limitations of the physical DMA by utilizing data to provide actionable insights into the condition of their networks. With more employees working remotely, this will help utilities facilitate the automation of the water loss process.