Decision Variables for the Rehabilitation of Water Mains at eThekwini W&S

Decision Variables for the Rehabilitation of Water Mains at eThekwini W&S 1

As part of the Water Services Delivery-Trenchless Pilot Program at eThekwini W&S academic research was conducted together with YMoS and the Dutch contractor company BAM infra as well the public water company Vitens.

eThekwini Water & Sanitation executed a 2000 km AC water pipe relay project in the city of Durban. The research was co-sponsored by the Embassy of the kingdom of the Netherlands.

YMoS was the project development partner of the Trenchless Pilot Program and co-author of the resulting publication which was presented at Berlin Water

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Decision Variables for the Rehabilitation of Water Mains at eThekwini W&S 2
Decision Variables for the Rehabilitation of Water Mains at eThekwini W&S 3
Decision Variables for the Rehabilitation of Water Mains at eThekwini W&S 4

The research discusses the decision variables to be evaluated for the rehabilitation of water mains, considering the performance of the network, the economic and technical lifespan of the mains and different available trenchless technologies in comparison to ‘open trench’ methodology.

All Water Utilities / Municipalities in South Africa have been mandated by the National Government to efficiently manage their assets. The replacement of pipes is the most expensive intervention and therefore it is critically important to ensure that the correct water mains are targeted for renewal or rehabilitation and with the right available technology.

To do this several key performance indicators need to be monitored on a permanent basis and these are determined by the specific requirements of the Water Utility. The rehabilitation or renewal of these assets can thus be reliably predicted to maximize the benefits.