Investigation of the effects of different water loss management practices in drinking water distribution systems: The case of Mudanya district, Bursa province

The increasing pressure on water resources due to global warming and climate change has made water a strategic element; this situation has necessitated water management authorities to take urgent measures to protect resources within the scope of sustainability and, in particular, to reduce network water losses. This study examines the impact of different water loss management practices in drinking water distribution systems. In this context, Mudanya District, within the service area of Bursa Water and Sewerage Administration (BUSKİ), was selected as the application area. Using BUSKİ Subscriber Information Management System, BUSKİ Geographic Information Systems, and BUSKİ SCADA data, the operation of the existing network line in three sub-regions created within the boundaries of Güzelyalı Siteler Neighborhood, Yalı Neighborhood, and Yeni Neighborhood in Mudanya District of Bursa Province was examined using SCADA data and subscriber information. Water loss calculations were made and compared with the threshold values in the relevant regulations. For this purpose, approaches such as standard water balance, flow rate and pressure monitoring, and night flow rate monitoring and analysis were considered. The study concluded that Güzelyalı Siteler and Yalı neighborhoods fall into the category of poor water loss management, while Yeni neighborhood falls into the category of strong water loss management. A concrete roadmap is presented to reduce physical and administrative losses.