How is water loss affecting the world? And how can utilities overcome the challenges of non-revenue water (NRW)? According to the panel of water loss experts in the first episode of the “Solving Water Loss for Life” webcast series, the fight against NRW requires combining two strategies: developing smart yet simple and cost-effective technologies and simplifying governance and management of utilities. The 40-minute discussion, moderated by Andrew Walker, involved four guests from different parts of the water sector, including the International Water Association (IWA), the Swiss research institute EAWAG, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Episode one of the “Solving Water Loss for Life” webcast series is available on-demand and can be accessed free of charge.
As every water network is different, the water loss experts conclude that it is necessary to approach NRW differently. On the one hand, the industry needs to develop solutions for utilities that adapt to their individual needs and make them as affordable as possible. This includes smart meters and sensors and approachable and mechanically simple technology. On the other hand, utilities must simplify governance and management within their organization. For example, performance-based contracts between utilities, banks, and contractors have effectively reduced water losses. However, as Stuart Hamilton of the International Water Association (IWA) stressed, fighting water loss does not have to be an overnight success: “In the industry, we never talk about failure, we just know what not to do again. Because solving NRW is not like an escalator, slowly going to the top. It is more like climbing a ladder – every problem you have is a weight on your shoulders that you can remove. It is about climbing the ladder, one step at a time.”
The guest-panelists included Rodrigo Riquelme, Water and Sanitation Lead Specialist at the Inter- American Development Bank; Stuart Hamilton, Chair of the Water Loss Specialist Group at IWA; and Dr. Christoph Lüthi, Head of the Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development, at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag).
After participating in the first episode, Olivier Narbey, Senior Business Development Manager Utilities at GF Piping Systems, commented, “Having worked with many international utilities over the years, we are excited to have created a format that puts the challenges of water loss into the spotlight. Our goal is to help people understand the gravity of the challenges ahead. At the same time, we want to inspire people to take action, no matter how large or small that action might be – it all counts in the fight against water loss and non-revenue water.”
On 20 December, Andrew Walker will host the second episode with a panel of worldwide water experts from across the sector who will discuss how utilities are innovating with technology to solve water loss issues and digitalizing their water networks to help reduce leakages.
To watch the complete first episode and to sign up for the second episode, “How utilities are innovating with technology,” please visit: https://www.gfps.com/com/en/about-us/events/2021/solving-water-loss-series.html
