The water balance tracks – from left to right – how a water utility supplies water volumes from source to customer, and provides the format for the utility to quantify amounts of billed and lost water.
Water Audit Methodology is the distinction that treated drinking water ultimately goes to two places: authorized consumption by consumers (its intended use), and a portion to losses (through inefficiencies). Within the components of losses, two broad types exist:
Water Audit Methodology is the distinction that treated drinking water ultimately goes to two places: authorized consumption by consumers (its intended use), and a portion to losses (through inefficiencies). Within the components of losses, two broad types exist:
Apparent Losses – are the non-physical or “paper” losses that occur in utility operations due to customer meter inaccuracies, billing system data errors and unauthorized consumption. In other words, this is water that is consumed but is not properly measured, accounted or paid for. These losses cost utilities revenue and distort data on customer consumption patterns.
Real Losses – are the physical losses of water from the distribution system, including leakage and storage overflows. These losses inflate the water utility’s production costs and stress water resources since they represent water that is extracted and treated, yet never reaches beneficial use.
Water Balance was last modified: November 25th, 2023 by