Performance Improvement Planning: Designing an Effective Leakage Reduction and Management Program

One of the principal concerns today for the deteriorating quality of water supply and sanitation services in India is the high levels of nonrevenue water (NRW)-the difference between the amount of water billed to consumers. High levels of NRW result from huge volumes of water lost through leaks or water not invoiced to consumers or both, and this seriously affects financial viability of water providers through lost revenues, increased operational costs and, eventually, increased capital costs.
 
This field note captures the core principles for the effective implementation of nonrevenue water programs through real world example of service providers implementing such programs in India and Vietnam. The case studies demonstrate that successful leakage reduction and its effective and sustainable implementation has not been a result of erratic and irregular technical exercises to reduce physical losses.

Contents:

Executive Summary

Context

Improving and Sustaining NRW Levels

Components of NRW

Addressing Each of the NRW Components Once Thay are Identified

Technical Solutions for Controlling NRW

Addressing the Institutional, Organizational, and Regulatory Arrangements for Creating a Suitable Environment for Controlling NRW

Monitoring Target NRW Levels

Conclusions

References