Water loss is a problem that occurs in all water supply systems. In a water supply system there are two sources of water loss; real losses and apparent losses. Water loss management can be introduced on many levels to reduce these losses and ultimately reduce non-revenue water (NRW).

Real Losses: are physical losses from a water supply system and include water leaks, evaporation and reservoir overflow. These losses often lead to an increased cost of production for the water supplier since the lost water is often treated and distributed around the system before it reaches customers. Active Leakage Control (ALC) is often a preferred method for controlling real losses and often used in conjunction with night flow analysis and pressure management activities.

Apparent Losses: are paper losses from a water supply system and include water meter inaccuracies and unmetered consumption. Often this water is consumed by a final user but often poorly measured or use is authorised sometimes the water use may be unauthorised (theft). Conducting a water balance of a supply system and ensuring greater water meter accuracy (both supply meters and customer meters) can be methods to reduce apparent losses.

Aqua Environmental is able to conceptualise, design and manage water loss management initiatives for any water supply system. This can include establishment of district metered areas, pressure management, flow monitoring and completing active leakage detection activities and training.