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In a pioneering effort to address water leakage and usage challenges in Aotearoa, New Zealand, the University of Canterbury (UC) has been doing an initiative approach in integrating digital technology to revolutionise water management. Dr Derek Li, Senior Lecturer in Civil and Natural Resources at UC, applying cutting-edge remote sensing technology and data analytics. The goal is to develop innovative solutions for monitoring and managing water resources more efficiently and sustainably.
New Zealand is facing a concerning situation with its water infrastructure. According to recent reports, 20% of drinking water is lost to leakage, 90% of the piping network cannot provide accurate data on its condition, and 50% of water use needs to be met. This lack of transparency in water consumption in urban settings leaves consumers unaware of their usage patterns, unlike the electricity industry, where consumers can actively track their usage.
In unmetered districts, water use can climb as high as 800 litres per person daily. Water loss due to leakage is a significant problem, with 21% of water being lost before it even gets to the taps. The situation is unique across the country, with substantial regional disparities in water wastage.
The Christchurch City Council has been carrying out water loss reduction work since 1996, and the council’s water loss and leakage reduction programme assesses the amount of non-revenue water. Water use in New Zealand is rising, up 12% between 2016 and 2020, to 504 million cubic meters last year for the survey participants.
Dr Li highlights the crucial role of feedback in shaping consumer behaviour, stating, “When we don’t know how we use water, we don’t care because we don’t have feedback about that information.” The Marsden Fast Start grant will empower Dr Li and Professor Pedro Lee to build upon their earlier research in remote sensing technology. The technology in development aims to extract water usage and pipeline conditions simultaneously by analysing background pressure noise in the network.
This approach allows for a detailed understanding of household water use, distinguishing between garden sprinklers, showers, and toilets nationwide. The data collected will be pivotal in shaping water conservation strategies and providing accurate asset condition information. Dr Li emphasises the global relevance of water loss, attributing it to ageing infrastructure and excessive water usage.
The technology’s potential extends beyond New Zealand, offering a valuable tool for countries globally with limited access to clean water, helping reduce unnecessary water loss. Dr Li and his team have been testing the technology in existing piping networks across UC and the wider Waitaha Canterbury region, achieving success in the Waimakariri District by identifying two pipes in poor condition that burst shortly after detection.
The project involves training and testing algorithms using a comprehensive database established through experiments in laboratory settings and real-world water supply networks on the UC campus. The technology is poised to provide detailed data on water usage in New Zealand and lay the groundwork for future research on water conservation strategies. Furthermore, it will offer accurate asset condition information, optimising the rehabilitation of ageing water pipeline networks.
Dr Li envisions the next funding stage focusing on improving the device, with an eventual goal of creating a sustainable system that can be integrated into water systems for an extended period. The success of this research could mark a significant leap forward in the efficient management of water resources, not only benefitting New Zealand but potentially offering solutions to water challenges worldwide.
As technology continues to play a crucial role in addressing global issues, initiatives like this underscore the transformative impact of digital innovations in ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future.
