Water is considered a scarce resource and many African countries are facing challenges in providing growing populations with adequate and sustainable water.

There are high levels of unaccounted for water in cities on the continent.

“The solution to the water scarcity problem lies in shifting from the traditional resource development to water demand management (WDM). Fewer than 50% of water utilities in Africa have a WDM programme, or are using pressure management to reduce water loss,” states valves manufacturer and supplier Premier Valves.

By introducing a water supply pressure management system comprising modern pressure regulating valves, which adjust the water pressure according to demand through a central control system, water loss and pipe burst frequencies can be reduced, which, in turn, can lead to cost savings in a relatively short period, the company adds.

It notes that effective pressure management can, in the long term, reduce wear and tear on supply lines, prevent burst pipes and, in turn, improve the effi- ciency, effectiveness and quality of water supply.

Premier Valves states that the most popular valve used in pressure management systems has always been the diaphragm- actuated pilot control valve.

The company, however, believes that its Baker Elite piston-operated control valve has features that enable it to exceed the capability of standard diaphragm-actuated pilot control valves.

The Baker Elite is an in-line axial-flow control valve that features block-mounted pilots that eliminate the need for pilot tubing.

It also offers a high turndown ratio of up to 12:1 and low-flow, stable control. It is compact and lightweight and available in sizes from 32 mm to 1 050 mm.

“The high flow can reduce the malfunctions caused by impure water and effectively decrease turbulence and related side effects.

“The Baker Elite piston-operated control valve solves nearly all cavitation and low-flow problems with one valve that controls in a stable fashion and at a reasonable cost,” Premier Valves states.