Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
12-2019
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Eileen G. Ernenwein
Committee Members
Andrew Joyner, Ingrid Luffman
Abstract
Due to increasing water treatment costs and conservation needs, traditional water loss analysis and acoustic leak detection methods are becoming heavily scrutinized by water utilities. This study explores water loss in Johnson City, Tennessee and how geospatial data analysis techniques improve water loss mitigation. This project uses sample water system pressure data and ordinary kriging spatial interpolation methods to identify leakage areas for further investigation. Analysis of existing geographic information system (GIS) water utility datasets with interpolated hydraulic grade values at sample water pressure points produce manageable survey areas that pinpoint areas with possible water leakage. Field detection methods, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and traditional acoustic methods, are employed to verify leakage predictions. Ten leakage areas are identified and verified using traditional acoustic detection methods, work order research, and GPR. The resulting data show that spatial analysis coupled with geospatial analysis of field pressure information improves water loss mitigation.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Tittle, Jacob, "Potable Water Leakage Prediction and Detection using Geospatial Analysis" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3663. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3663
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Hydraulic Engineering Commons, Spatial Science Commons