Avaliação das perdas de água em redes de distribuição com apoio da modelagem hidráulica: estudo de caso no distrito de vazantes, Aracoiaba-CE

Abstract

The district of Vazantes, located in the municipality of Aracoiaba–CE, presents high levels of water losses in its water supply system, with values significantly above those considered acceptable for urban systems. This scenario compromises operational efficiency, service sustainability, and the rational use of water resources, constituting a relevant problem from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. This study aims to analyze the water supply system of the district of Vazantes, in Aracoiaba–CE, by diagnosing the main causes of water losses and proposing solutions for their mitigation. The research was structured based on data collection provided by CAGECE, including information on pipeline registration, micro-metered consumption, water meter age, leakage records, and in situ pressure and flow measurement tests. For the analysis, the EPANET software was used, enabling the hydraulic modeling and simulation of the network, considering topographic data, consumption patterns, and pressures measured in the field. The results indicated that the district presents total water losses close to 70% of the distributed volume, attributed to both apparent losses—resulting from registration failures, fraud, and aged water meters—and real losses, mainly related to the frequent occurrence of leaks. The hydraulic simulation demonstrated the presence of sections with pressures above the limits recommended by ABNT NBR 12218, especially at the entrance of the urban area and in the northern region of the district, which coincide with the areas with the highest incidence of leaks. As proposed solutions, measures to reduce apparent losses were highlighted, such as the replacement of old water meters and the updating of technical and operational records, as well as the investigation of possible illegal connections. To control real losses, the installation of pressure reducing valves (PRVs) at critical points in the network was suggested, in addition to considering the use of Pumps as Turbines (PATs) as a sustainable alternative with potential for electric power generation. It is concluded that, despite its limitations, this study achieved its objective of diagnosing the main factors influencing water losses in the district and indicating technical solutions for their mitigation, serving as a basis for future actions to improve the local water supply system.