Leakage detection study in Tamil Nadu

Improving India's water supplies is undoubtedly one of the most significant challenges facing the overall economic development of the country. This report illustrates one important direction being taken in a number of Indian States at present, where water supplies are being improved by a significant reduction in water losses, rather than relying on capital investment in additional water production. Anglian Water International undertook a leakage detection study in the Tamil Nadu cities of Coimbatore, Madurai and Salem between June and September 1993. The study formed part of the World Bank funded project, Study Of Unaccounted For Water (Leakage) - Reduction and Control Programme in Tamil Nadu. This was undertaken by Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Ltd. (WAPCOS) on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board (TWAD). The aim of the study was to reduce the level of leakage by: • Establishing leakage zones. • Undertaking a leak detection and repair programme within those zones. • Training local engineers in both traditional and modern techniques of leakage management.