The regular maintenance activities minimise incidence of breakages and leaks. The company maintains its place as one of Asia’s lowest NRW at 12% and at par with NRW of developed countries.
WD News: Manila Water is now on par with water utilities in developed countries when it comes to the level of water losses, or non-revenue water (NRW).
In 2022, Manila Water averaged 12.69% NRW, which is one of the lowest in Asia. Non-revenue water is defined as water that is not billed and is lost through leaks or illegal connections. This means that for every cubic metre of water produced, only around 0.12 cubic metres are lost. This is a stark difference from the 63% NRW inherited by the company in 1997. The standard set by the World Bank is 25% or lower. In a study conducted by the World Bank, the NRW is pegged at 15% for developed countries such as Japan, Germany, England and Wales, and Singapore.
The strategy to reduce non-revenue water includes a multi-pronged approach that puts together a combination of proactive technical solutions, engineering, and social interventions.
Among the technical and engineering solutions adopted by the company are the reconfiguration of the network, accurate measurement of supply volumes, active leakage control and repairs, supply and pressure management, along with meter management programs, all using modern and innovative systems and equipment.
The company remains vigorous in rehabilitating primary lines that are ageing and maintaining the integrity of the mainlines. Regular maintenance and rehabilitation reduce the incidence of breakages in water system. When breakages do occur, the company ensures work efficiency to fix the leak as fast as possible. In 2022, it repaired a total of 529 pipe bursts, all within 24 hours.
Because of the low NRW level, Manila Water was able to facilitate the installation of 33,309 new water service connections in the East Zone of Metro Manila and Rizal in 2022, compared to 21,680 the year prior.
“We see to it that our NRW remains at manageable levels and at par with global standards, if not better,” Manila Water Group Director for Corporate Communications Affairs Jeric Sevilla said.
Source & image courtesy: Manila Water
