Water loss management, in the long-term, is strategically important to every water utility. While the scarcity and delivered cost of water may vary widely across North America, the future brings a high probability that this precious resource will become more constrained, not less. And with the growing need for water loss management, utilities are seeking guidance for assessing their losses and developing a plan for improvement.
In martial arts, the concept of belts reflects an individual’s proven level of competence and command, with each belt achieved truly an accomplishment worthy of respect. But more than this, the progression of belt colors reflects an individual’s inner journey that truly never ends.
For a utility, the journey of managing water loss and non-revenue water (NRW) is one that begins at some point, but never truly ends. And the key for achieving long-term success in a sustained program is, having a clear picture of “where you are”, “where you need to be”, and “how to get there”. This is the concept of the NRW roadmap. The direction you need to go is, simultaneously, a function of where you are and where you need to be.
The International Water Association (IWA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) water loss experts have been developing tools and guidance materials for many years on this front. The NRW roadmap amalgamates the myriad of approaches, resources, and guidance principals for managing real and apparent water losses into a singular, integrated roadmap. It leverages AWWA and IWA tools and expertise to provide a water utility with clear delineation of points on the continuum, from the basic building blocks of standardized water balance and visual leakage surveys to the most advanced practices of revenue protection and pressure optimization.
Join us in at IN-AWWA in Indianapolis
on February 11th, to learn more.