Management of Non-Revenue Water in Distribution Network and Conveyor Lines; a Case Study

Abstract

Background: The Non-Revenue water refers to a difference between the volume of water entering the system and billed authorized consumption. Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to determine the volume of Non-Revenue water in order to recognize the factors influencing water losses so that the information gathered can used in Non-Revenue water reduction management. Materials and Methods: Kazerun had been selected as a functional sample in this study. This research was undertaken for one year in 2010 as a cross-sectional study. The methodology has been abstracted from International Water Association (IWA). Results: Around 12,995,619 m3 water was produced in Kazerun annually. The rate of Non-Revenue water was estimated around 5,011,084 m3, representing 38.56% of the total volume of water produced. The highest proportion of Non-Revenue water in Kazerun was related to real losses (22.88%). The leakage rate was about 10.46% in distribution systems and 11.20% in subscribers’ networks that by themselves account for the highest percentage rate of real losses. The rate of apparent losses was about 14.4% and unbilled authorized consumption was about 1.3%. Conclusions: The Non-Revenue water showed a significant rate while compared with similar studies. The high rate of real losses in Kazerun was mainly due to old-fashioned pipeline network in distribution systems, invisible leakage, ground breakage and the water pressure on the system. The high percentage of apparent losses can be modified by improving polices as well as financial investment.