Application of District Metering Areas Based on Minimum Night Flow in Engineering Water Distribution Networks: A Case Study in China

Leakages are very prevalent in water distribution networks in China, particularly in urban areas. District metering areas (DMAs) provide a practical approach for monitoring the operation of water supply systems and a robust scientific basis for controlling leakages. Therefore, in this study, we assessed leakages in the water distribution network at the city scale using DMAs, with Wuhu, Anhui Province, China as an example. Residential districts in the urban area were divided into four DMA levels. The minimum night flow (MNF) method was used to investigate the extent of the leakages from the urban water distribution network in Wuhu. Finally, we summarize how DMAs could support the management of the urban water supply network during the planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. The results from this case study showed that DMAs and MNF could be integrated to assess the water network leakages in Wuhu.