APPLICATION OF THE IWA METHODOLOGY TO REDUCTION WATER LOSSES IN SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN THE EAST REGION OF MINAS GERAIS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

The topic of Water Loss in Supply Systems has become increasingly relevant in recent decades, mainly due to the increased frequency of water scarcity events. Another preponderant factor for the increased attention on this topic is from an economic and financial point of view, with issues related to the high costs of electrical energy used in the production and distribution of treated water and the waste of natural, operational and revenue resources. This way, structuring actions and an Action Plan for assessment, control and reduction of losses are essential, consistent, continuous and effective to achieve significant results in reducing water losses. For this purpose, the International Water Association (IWA) recommends the use of the water balance methodology to diagnose losses in the water distribution system. Using this methodology, losses are divided into apparent and real. This distinction is important, as the tools for managing and combating each of the typologies differ substantially. In this context, the present work presents the improvement in the performance of water loss management with the effective achievement of results in reducing losses in the region covered by the East Business Unit, operated by Companhia de Saneamento de Minas Gerais, based on the use of the techniques and methodologies proposed by renowned institutions that deal with the topic of Water Loss in Distribution, associated with the application of innovative technologies with cost/benefit compatible with the economic condition of the System. The results achieved confirm that it is possible to control and decrease the loss rate through the development of integrated actions at the strategic and operational levels of governance, based on the tools proposed by IWA and respecting local realities.