DVGW W 392 2017-09 PDF

Full title and description

STB DVGW W 392 2017-09 — "Wasserverlust in Rohrnetzen; Ermittlung, Wasserbilanz, Kennzahlen, Überwachung" (English: "Water loss in pipeline networks — Determination, water balance, performance indicators, monitoring"). This DVGW work sheet provides definitions, procedures and measurement/monitoring approaches for preparing a water balance, quantifying water losses (apparent and real), deriving performance indicators and carrying out continuous monitoring and inspection of distribution networks.

Abstract

This work sheet defines a standard method for establishing a water balance for a supply area, separating apparent and real losses, calculating key indicators (specific real loss qVR, Infrastructure Leakage Index ILI and related metrics), and describing inspection and monitoring methods (metering zones, night minimum flow, zero-consumption tests, software-supported monitoring and local leak detection procedures). It is intended to support systematic loss assessment, benchmarking and operational leakage control in water distribution networks.

General information

• Status: Current (original edition 2017 with a free correction issued in 2020; editorial update published in 2025).
• Publication date: Original: September 2017 (2017-09); correction: June 2020; editorial update: December 2025.
• Publisher: Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches (DVGW); distributed/published commercially by Wirtschafts- und Verlagsgesellschaft Gas und Wasser (WVGW).
• ICS / categories: Water supply / installations in buildings — ICS 91.140.60 (water supply systems); related categories for water quality and utility services where applicable.
• Edition / version: DVGW W 392, Ausgabe September 2017 (with Korrektur 2020-06); editorial revision December 2025.
• Number of pages: 2017 edition: typically reported as 20 pages; the 2025 editorial update is shown as a 21-page edition by distributors.

Scope

The work sheet applies to the preparation of a water balance for distribution areas, the determination and breakdown of water losses into apparent and real losses, the formulation of associated performance indicators (e.g., qVR, ILI) and the establishment of monitoring and inspection measures for pipeline networks. It is aimed at distribution networks (not intended for trunk/long-distance transmission pipelines, although leakage detection techniques may be transferable). Normative references and related DVGW worksheets (for metering, network operation and leak detection) are cited.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and calculation of a water balance (net supply versus metered delivery) and separation into apparent and real losses.
• Performance indicators: specific real loss (qVR, m³/km·h), Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) and guidance on interpreting these metrics for benchmarking.
• Measurement and monitoring methods: metering zones, night minimum flow measurements, zero-consumption tests and software-supported loss monitoring.
• Practical guidance on field procedures and leak localisation techniques (acoustic methods, step-testing and other on-site detection devices).
• Recommended treatment of apparent losses (metering and data-handling errors, illegal use) including when and how to estimate or assume minimal apparent losses.
• Links to related DVGW worksheets and normative documents for metering, network operation and damage statistics.

Typical use and users

Primary users are water utility engineers, network operators, asset managers, leakage control specialists, regulator technical staff and consultants involved in distribution network performance assessment, benchmarking and leakage reduction programmes. The worksheet is used to standardise how utilities calculate losses, report indicators and design monitoring/inspection routines.

Related standards

Referenced and related documents commonly cited alongside W 392 include other DVGW worksheets such as W 300-1 / W 300-2 (metering), W 400-1 / W 400-3 (operation and maintenance), W 406 and W 534 (components/installation aspects). International guidance such as ISO/TS/ISO guidance on water-loss investigations and the IWA/IWA standard water balance guidance are also complementary.

Keywords

water loss, water balance, distribution network, leakage, apparent loss, real loss, specific real loss qVR, Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI), night flow, leakage detection, monitoring, DVGW W 392.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DVGW W 392 is a DVGW work sheet that specifies methods to prepare a water balance, determine and classify water losses in distribution networks, and to calculate and interpret performance indicators used for leakage assessment and monitoring.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the water-balance methodology, calculation of apparent and real losses, derivation of indicators (qVR, ILI), measurement and monitoring procedures (metering zones, night-flow/zero-consumption tests), and practical aspects of inspection and leak localisation. It is aimed at distribution networks rather than long-distance transmission mains.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Water utility engineers and managers, leakage control teams, consulting engineers, regulators and companies that supply leak-detection and monitoring services. It is used for benchmarking, reporting and designing reduction programmes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original edition was published September 2017. A free correction was published in June 2020; an editorial update was issued in December 2025. As of the latest distributor listings the document is current; users should check the DVGW/WVGW catalogue for the absolute current status and any corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — W 392 sits within the DVGW water-rule set and cross-references other DVGW worksheets (metering, operation/maintenance and component/installation rules). It is commonly used together with other DVGW work sheets and international guidance on water-loss management.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are water loss, water balance, leakage detection, qVR, ILI, apparent loss, real loss, network monitoring, night flow.