SÃO PAULO, Brazil, Aug. 16, 2011 -- Utilizing water distribution modeling and management software, the Brazilian utility Sabesp has decreased water losses by 57 percent in the distribution system of its East Business Unit in São Paulo, Brazil.
WaterCAD software from Bentley Systems, Incorporated, enabled Sabesp to realize efficiency improvements in its 272-kilometer-long Passagem Funda distribution system that allowed the water utility to reduce its monthly production of potable water by 440,000 cubic meters -- saving US$170,000 per month.
In addition, changes in the water system eliminated the need for two booster stations, reducing the utility's energy consumption by about 8,000 kilowatt hours per month.
Specifically, Sabesp used the software to identify high pressure areas in the system, simulate the impact of the implementation of pressure reducing valves in neighboring areas, analyze segments affected by ongoing construction, set optimal operational parameters, and identify areas for water loss prospecting, with a view to detecting nonvisible underground leaks.
Located on the east side of the São Paulo Metropolitan Area, the Passagem Funda system (Cidade Tiradentes & Santa Etelvina Sectors) distributes water to 240,000 residents. High pressures, with topographic differences of up to 100 meters, and illegal service connections had been contributing to water losses of 880 liters per service connection per day. Sabesp's use of Bentley's innovative software helped to decrease these losses to 376 liters per service connection per day.
All told, Sabesp is responsible for supplying potable water to 27.2 million people and sanitation to 19.5 million people in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area.
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