Ways to reduce unaccounted-for-water in public water supply systems

Summary

In the process of improving the efficiency of water and wastewater services the reduction of unaccounted-for-water is of crucial importance. New approaches to the evaluation of these amounts with the selection of physical losses of the utilities resource are suggested. The world experience of taking measures on reducing these amounts by concluding contracts with private operators guided by the actual results of achieving the projected reduction of the specific physical leakages and water losses is considered. The comparative financial evaluation of the measures on constructing water intakes and reducing unaccounted-for-water is presented. Economic, social and political factors inhibiting the process of actual reducing unaccounted-for-water are considered. The main reason of public utilities being reluctant to take measures on the reduction of water leakages lies in the lack of financial incentives and organizational projects. It is concluded that the owners of the water supply systems, as a rule local authorities, shall be involved in solving the problem. It is worth keeping in mind that reducing unaccounted-for-water (including the use of performance-based service contracting) shall not be considered as a new formula for eliminating numerous shortcomings in the operation of water utilities, because these shortcomings result from the more fundamental problems. Successful public water supply management without introducing new capacities, in its turn, can predetermine the structural reforms required to ensure the efficient operation of water and wastewater services and private business in satisfying the growing water demand of population and industries.

Key words

water leaks , unaccounted-for water , utilities resource management , performance-based service contracting , water supply efficiency