Presentation: Strategic Water Audits: Driving Sustainability and Efficiency in Utility Management by Adam Hershberger & Lorean Johnston
The presentation explores strategic water audits, water loss management, and challenges within Indiana’s water utility sector. It covers legislative requirements, audit methodologies, data validation, technical assistance, and the future of asset management. The goal is to support Indiana’s utilities, particularly in rural areas, in effectively managing water resources and reducing water loss.
Indiana’s 2019 legislation mandates annual water loss audits, requiring validation by certified third-party validators every two years. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) classifies significant water losses—25% or more annually—as a substantial deficiency, underscoring the importance of accurate audits. The presenters discuss the key components of water loss: real losses (physical leaks), apparent losses (metering inaccuracies and unauthorized consumption), and unbilled authorized consumption. These factors contribute to non-revenue water, a crucial metric in system performance.
Data collection is a major focus, with utilities gathering information on supply, consumption, and infrastructure. The team utilizes American Water Works Association (AWWA) software to standardize data and improve accuracy. Reports include key performance indicators like the Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) and Data Validity Score, which help utilities assess efficiency and prioritize improvements.
Rural utilities face challenges such as limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and technical constraints. The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water (AIRW) provides training and support, helping utilities refine data collection, address leaks, and improve asset management. By fostering collaboration and leveraging water audit data, the team aims to drive long-term sustainability and efficiency in Indiana’s water utilities.
Bio
Adam Hershberger, EPA Water Specialist, Alliance of Indiana Rural Water
Adam has a background in water and wastewater operations management, including treatment, distribution and collection systems.
He currently holds WT4, DSM, and Wastewater Class II certifications along with having a Loss Audit Validator Adam spent time as a
Utility Asset Management Consultant prior to joining the Alliance in August 2023.