Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) is intensifying its efforts to reduce NonRevenue Water (NRW) and improve water conservation by deploying the state-of-the-art SAHARA mobile leak detection system. MPIW is the only water utility outside Luzon that uses this equipment to reduce NRW, allowing the company to detect and repair leaks quickly and more efficiently.
SAHARA, an advanced mobile leak detection system, is currently deployed in high-priority areas such as Sambag, Jaro, Lopez Jaena St. in Jaro, and Sta. Barbara. These areas are identified as having significant issues with leaking primary lines. From 59% in 2019, MPIW’s water losses are now down to 45% or 34,000 cubic meters per day, a volume significant enough to fill 13 Olympic-sized swimming pools, affecting operational efficiency and impacting service delivery and sustainability.
“We are conducting a comprehensive Water Audit to identify and reduce water losses, through targeted inspections and leveraging advanced technologies like SAHARA to enhance our leak detection capabilities,” said Angelo David C. Berba, Chief Operating Officer of MPIW. “Underground pipe leaks are often difficult to detect, so we rely on these innovative technologies to assist with our network rehabilitation efforts and strengthen our NRW reduction initiatives.”
The SAHARA system utilizes an acoustic sensor that is inserted into any pipes at least 2 inches in diameter, which then connects to a surface-based monitoring system. The sensor can detect even the smallest leaks, as small as 1 liter per hour, as well as other pipe defects, within a real-time radius of 18 inches (400 mm and above). This non-invasive inspection method allows MPIW to locate, perform audio and visual pipe inspection, and address issues without interrupting water service to its customers.
To further enhance its NRW management, MPIW has allocated nearly Php 400 million for 2024 to fund leak repair initiatives. These efforts include network diagnostics, the establishment of district-metered areas, the replacement of outdated water meters, and selective pipe replacements. These measures are aimed at reducing both physical and commercial water losses, improving the overall efficiency of the water distribution system.
“We are committed to ensuring a sustainable water supply for Iloilo,” Berba emphasized. “Our long-term strategy includes a multi-pronged approach that combines infrastructure upgrades, cutting-edge leak detection technology, and the development of new water sources to address the ongoing challenges of water scarcity in Iloilo.”
As part of its collaborative efforts, MPIW partnered with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. to conduct the primary line inspection using the SAHARA system. The technology can detect leaks, trapped gas, illegal tapping, and structural defects along primary water lines. Once completed, the leak detection and subsequent rehabilitation and pipe repairs are expected to generate an additional 10 to 15 million liters of water per day (MLD).
Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’s ongoing efforts reflect its commitment to modernizing water infrastructure and dedication to delivering reliable and sustainable water services to Iloilo while minimizing water loss and conserving precious resources for the future.
