Consequence of Failure (CoF) – The cost associated with a break if it occurs, ordered into a 1-5 range specific to that network where 5 is the highest cost for that network.

Criticality - A normalised value that factors in both the Likelihood (LOF) and Consequence (COF) of Failure. The criticality value is ordered into a 1-5 range specific to that network where 5 represents the highest criticality for that pipeline.

Criticality – Top Percentile - The criticality score represented as a percentile grouping, where a value of 5 represents any values within the highest 5% of the network.

Incident Data/Break History – Recorded information of past breaks/leaks and issues to a specific pipeline or pipeline network. These are usually recorded as ‘reported and repaired’ and data is usually preferred in point data format to be used in a GIS system.

Likelihood of Failure (LoF) – The probability that a pipe will burst in the next year. It is classified into a 1-5 range specific to that network, where a score of 5 represents the highest likelihood.

LoF – Top Percentile - The likelihood of failure score represented as a percentile grouping, where a value of 5 represents any values within the highest 5% of the network.

Non-Revenue Water (NRW) – Water which has been produced and is “lost” before it reaches the customer. As a result, this does not generate revenue (income) to the utility or water company. 

Pipeline Attributes – Information about the specific pipeline(s) being studied. This includes required data on: 

  • Age 
  • Length 
  • Depth 
  • Material
  • Pressure of the pipelines etc.

Slip Lining - Technique for repairing leaks or restoring structural stability to an existing pipeline. It involves installing a smaller, "carrier pipe" into a larger "host pipe", grouting the annular space between the two pipes, and sealing the ends. 

Spray Lining – technique for lining pipes with a thin layer of resin (typically 1mm thick), which is sprayed on to the inner surface of a cleaned main. This isolates the host pipe from the conveyed medium, water, and prevents leakage and infiltration, protecting water quality.

Water Pipeline Condition Assessment – Approach used for digging up a pipeline to inspect it and provide water utilities with an appropriate understanding for determining the structural status of an individual pipeline or pipeline system.

For the definitions connected to: 

  • likelihood of failure (LoF), 
  • consequence of failure (CoF) and 
  • pipeline risk value (PRV) 


District Metered Areas (DMA’s) - a well-defined sub area or zone in a water distribution pipeline network and is used to control pressure and monitor leaks in water supply networks.

Smart Water Meter - enables the utilities to automatically collect consumption data, eliminate manual meter reading, improve efficiency, and save costs. It furthermore provides an opportunity for leaks and abnormal consumption to be detected more efficiently than previous manual methods.

Sonic loggers, Acoustic loggers, or sensors - a small device installed directly onto the fittings of a water pipe. The loggers “listen” for the characteristic noise waves which are transferred through pipe walls by a leak. Upon detection of the sound, they send an alarm to the water company’s integrated control centre and from this, analysts can send engineers to pinpoint the leak and repair it.

The SmartBall tool and platform - a free-swimming inspection tool used to detect leaks, gas pockets and map pipeline networks. This platform assesses pressurized water and wastewater pipelines in a single deployment, without disrupting regular operations.