METRO PACIFIC ILOILO WATER BOOSTS LEAK DETECTION: Enhances NRW Reduction Efforts With SAHARA Technology

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) is intensifying its efforts to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) and enhance water conservation by deploying the state-of-the-art SAHARA mobile leak detection system.

MPIW is the only water utility in Western Visayas using this equipment to detect and repair leaks quickly and efficiently.

The SAHARA system is currently deployed in high-priority areas such as Sambag, Jaro, Lopez Jaena Street in Jaro, and Sta. Barbara, which have significant issues with leaking primary lines.

Since 2019, MPIW has reduced water losses from 59% to 45%, equivalent to 34,000 cubic meters per day—a volume that could fill 13 Olympic-sized swimming pools—affecting operational efficiency and service delivery.

“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,” Berba added.

The SAHARA system uses an acoustic sensor that is inserted into pipes at least 2 inches in diameter and connected to a surface-based monitoring system.

The sensor can detect even the smallest leaks, as little as 1 liter per hour, as well as other pipe defects, within an 18-inch (400 mm) radius in real time.

This non-invasive inspection method allows MPIW to identify and address issues without disrupting water service to customers.

To further improve its NRW management, MPIW has allocated nearly PHP 400 million for 2024 to fund leak repair initiatives.

These initiatives include network diagnostics, establishing district-metered areas, replacing outdated water meters, and selective pipe replacements to reduce physical and commercial water losses and enhance the water distribution system’s overall efficiency.

“We are committed to ensuring a sustainable water supply for Iloilo,” Berba said.

“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,” he added.

MPIW has partnered with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. to conduct primary line inspections using the SAHARA system.

The technology can detect leaks, trapped gas, illegal tapping, and structural defects along primary water lines.

Once the inspection and subsequent repairs are completed, MPIW expects to generate an additional 10 to 15 million liters of water per day.

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’s efforts reflect its commitment to modernizing water infrastructure and delivering reliable and sustainable water services to Iloilo, while minimizing water loss and conserving resources for the future.