Water Wheel Nov/Dec 2024: Non-Revenue Water

Abstract

Cover feature New ‘one-stop-shop’ to improve non-revenue water management As recently highlighted in provinces such as Gauteng, nonrevenue water (NRW) is a critical issue for municipalities. NRW refers to water that is produced and supplied but does not generate revenue because of various losses throughout the distribution system. These losses are generally categorised into physical losses and commercial losses. Physical losses refer to leaks in the distribution systems, theft and unauthorised consumption, while commercial losses are attributed to meter inaccuracies, billing errors and data handling issues. In South Africa, almost half of the water that is treated to drinking quality standards leaks from the distribution system or, although it costs money to treat and transport, is not paid for. There are many solutions to NRW, and the matter has been the subject of research and new technology development for years.

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