Nobel Systems has signed a multi-year contract with the City of El Segundo, California to provide Water Loss Audit Validation services.
As a part of the contract, Nobel will work with the city to perform an in-depth operations review. This review will identify specific areas of focus for the city to increase its water loss audit scores for the coming years.
The city was initially attracted to Nobel Systems Validation Program because of the program’s low cost, discount off future Nobel Systems software or services, and additional consulting services.
Another key factor in the city’s decision is that Nobel Systems, a California company, has been able to conduct multiple in-person meetings with the city and completed the validation within days.
About the Water Loss Audit
In an effort to stem the high amounts of water loss within state water distribution systems, California mandated that certain urban water agencies submit annual water loss audit reports. The reports are due Oct. 1 each year.
The water audits evaluate real water losses that occur due to leaks, and apparent water losses, which can result because of of data errors or water theft.
The goal of Level 1 one water audit validations is 1) to identify and where possible correct inaccuracies in water audit data and application of methodology, and 2) evaluate and communicate the uncertainty inherent in water audit data.
If an agency determines there is significant water loss within its system, a cost-benefit analysis is needed to determine whether it is economically feasible to address the problem. If it is economically viable, a leak detection program can be established.
The water audit is mandatory for every utility with more than 3,000 service connections or which produce 3,000-acre-feet of water annually. The water loss audit must be validated by certified water auditor.
To validate an audit, water suppliers must use a technical expert, who can leverage their expertise to confirm data entries while characterizing quality.
Reporting requirements include:
Separate reports are needed for each individual water distribution system.
Must follow the American Water Works Association terminology and methods.
Audits must be validated by a water utility’s CFO, chief engineer, or GM.
Include steps taken the previous year to improve water data validity and reduce water losses.
Verified by a certified water loss auditor.
Required Supporting Documents include:
Monthly water volume data from a utility’s own sources.
Reported volume of imported and exported each month by connection.
Documentation of customer meter and supply meter accuracy testing and calibration, if conducted.
Reported volume of authorized consumption each month, broken down by water rate if different rates are applied to water users.
If an audit is submitted incomplete, it will be returned to its sender to be updated and sent back within 90 days.