Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

FACT SHEET 9
Loss Reduction
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Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy
What is Loss Reduction?
Unaccounted-for water (or non-revenue water) is that portion of bulk water production that the
water utility cannot bill as it does not reach the customers’ meter.
Unaccounted-for water comprises leakage from the distribution system due to breakages and
overflows from reservoirs, illegal connections, fire fighting, mains flushing, overhead fillers and
errors in system flow meters.
Loss reduction involves reducing the proportion of water lost through the distribution system
due to breakages and overflows.
The first stage in a loss reduction program involves accounting for where water is lost in the
system and determining the amount that is lost.
Over time, a well-designed leakage reduction program will identify leakage trouble spots and
allow for programmed maintenance of these areas. As part of the program, system-wide water
consumption is monitored allowing more rapid identification of leaks and illegal connections.
Areas of the distribution system with high pressure can be targeted through a pressure
reduction program, which will also contribute to reduced leakage.
Examples
Specific loss reduction opportunities can be found in section 8.1.7.
Benefits
Better understanding of system-wide water consumption.
Decreased extraction rates for the same volume of water supplied.
Decreased long term operating costs.
Greater income for the same volume of water supplied.
Identification of trouble spots and quicker response time.
Increased confidence in metering equipment and the data collected.