NINFA

The project, which will be developed in the Arequipa region of Peru, will begin with the realization of a pilot test to identify a methodology to solve the problems of inefficiency of the water distribution network basically linked to leaks.

After the pilot, local actors will be trained to diagnose inefficiency problems and define actions to improve the drinking water network.

Based on this experience, and the lessons learned, a methodological guide will be developed to collect the results and facilitate replicability in other municipalities.

Finally, the necessary actions will be carried out to present and disseminate the results of the project.

The priority objective is to find a formula to maximize efficiency in the distribution of drinking water that is applicable in other countries where the same problem is found.

Increasing the efficiency in the distribution of drinking water reduces the pressure on water resources that are a scarce commodity that must be preserved. On the other hand, the need for purification is reduced to cover the demand of the population and economic activities, as well as the consumption of energy and other necessary resources. In this way, the savings obtained can be dedicated to other needs of the population.

To achieve the general objective, several specific objectives have been defined:

• Carrying out a pilot test to detect leaks in the network to achieve results and learning that serve so that other municipalities with the same problem can replicate the experience.
• Train local actors to develop diagnoses to improve the state of supply networks and reduce losses.
• Train local actors in the management of urban drinking water supply networks so that they have adequate training in efficient management models and technologies.
• Elaboration of a guide that allows to disseminate the lessons learned in it and serve as guidance to many other municipalities with the same problem.

The NINFA project began in October 2014 and after many months of work in which training has been organized for local teams in Arequipa (Peru) and Barcelona. A leak detection pilot test has been carried out with different methodologies and work has been carried out together to develop an action plan and a methodological guide that serves as a tool to reduce water losses and improve the efficiency of drinking water distribution networks in other localities.

On September 30, a day of presentation of the final results of the project was organized at the Estelar Miraflores Hotel in Lima.

The conference was organized jointly with FUNIBER, a foundation that seeks to disseminate and share European and Latin American knowledge and is the patron of the FEC.

The event was welcomed by José Luís Herrera, director of Funiber in Peru, while the results of the project were presented by the director of the FEC, Elvira Carles, and the director of Aquambiente in Peru.

In the same way, on October 2, a presentation was organized in Arequipa in which the local teams participated and were in charge of the FEC.

Images of the presentation in Lima by representatives of FUNIBER, FEC and AQUAMBIENTE

Presentation in Arequipa of the final results