Water & Wastewater Treatment

www.wwtonline.co.uk | WWT | december 2014 | 33 In the know Skilling up: pipe networks H uman error is a major cause of surge effects in water supply networks, as recent research carried out by UK water utilities and university hydrology departments has shown. In turn, surge is a major cause of leaks and bursts in pipe infrastructure. Each burst attracts an average of 35 complaints of 'no water' and carries an average repair cost of over £1,000 a time. The pressure on utilities to improve their customer SIM [service incentive mechanism] scores by meeting Ofwat's DG3 regulation on supply interruptions means this level of failure is no longer acceptable. The financial squeeze on utilities means that costly reactive maintenance on damage caused by poor network management is not an option. Utilities need to minimise incidents and cost, which means ensuring better care and management of existing infrastructure. This in turn creates longer asset life, which allows for more focused capital investment. The good news is that much of this harm can be avoided by modifying the way the network is operated. Most surge-related damage is caused by operatives closing valves and hydrants too quickly – and the only way to eliminate the risk is to train network operators to slow down. A leading light in network management is Yorkshire Water, which saw up to a 50% reduction in bursts due to a serviceability initiative, of which pressure reduction and calm network training were key elements. Water utilities have a duty of care to ensure network operators are thoroughly trained. As a supplier of standpipes to the UK water Surge of Interest in Calm Networks industry - and given the damage that inappropriate use of equipment can do to the network - Supply UK too has a particular interest in making sure operatives use kit correctly and safely. Building on the experiences of in-house schemes run by a number of utilities, the company has just achieved accreditation from the Institute of Water for its Calmer Network Training – a first for the institute. The company now runs bespoke onsite and online training schemes for utilities, contractors and local authorities. A licensed network operator itself, Supply UK recently delivered 58 training sessions for approximately 600 employees of Thames Water and its partner companies. A permanent test rig has been set up at the utility's facility at Kempton Park, Middlesex. The development of technologies to detect surge has allowed purpose-built training facilities to be developed at a number of water companies. Network operators undertaking Calm Network Training can achieve hands-on understanding of the causes of transient surge, water hammer and shockwaves in the water network. They gain insight into the damage to pipes and disruption to supplies that can be caused by poor operation of valves. By using pressure- monitoring soœware, trainers can demonstrate in real-time the on-going 'ripple' surge effect that ensues from poor hydrant and valve operation. Calm Network Training also provides training and assessment of acceptable levels of competence when operating a range of tools and technologies associated with valve operation. RomaN BoRySlawSkyj consulTanT, supply uK "by using a specialist organisation to run their calm network training, utilities, contractors and other licenced network operators can gain easy access to the most up- to-date expertise and equipment" ● First course ever to be accredited by Institute of Water ● 600 Thames Water networks operators already trained ● e-training course taken up by amey On successful completion of the Calmer Network Training course, operators receive an identification card and certificate. Their details are registered on a central database aœer which a three-year refresher course is required to keep their skills up-to- date. The benefits of this training go far beyond reducing surges, including: • Increased lifespan of existing infrastructure • Reduced leakage and water wastage • Fewer incidents of discolouration and contamination of the water supply caused by ingress • Fewer customer complaints about leakage, water quality and supply interruptions • Reduced risk of pollution from burst main run-off of chlorinated water to watercourses • Reduced traffic disruption caused by leak repair • Significant cost reductions most surge-related damage is caused by operatives closing valves and hydrants too quickly

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