Theoretical Modeling of Pressure and Leakage in Water Distribution Systems

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the latest theoretical developments on the pressure-leakage relationship in water distribution systems. It is clear that the high leakage exponents often found in field studies are mainly caused by leak areas varying with system pressure, and a good understanding of the response of leaks deforming elastically has been developed. Other factors that are briefly discussed include leak hydraulics, soil hydraulics and the way individual leaks combine in pressure management zones.