INFRASTRUCTURE LEAKAGE INDEX AND CHALLENGES IN WATER LOSS MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Water supply systems in developing countries do not meet the needs of people equitably with the ever increasing demands due to increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles. The Non-Revenue Water (NRW) for most of the systems is more than 50 % on account of lack of proper planning, design, operation and maintenance; it is indicative of poor governance and poor physical condition of the water distribution networks. The water supply systems are run under intermittent mode in absence of proper operation and monitoring by inadequately skilled technical personnel without advanced tools and techniques under political, cultural and social influences with limited finances. The NRW is a financial performance indicator that does not provide for the actual physical condition of the water network. However, Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) has proved to be an effective technical real loss performance indicator for well planned and maintained water utilities in developed countries. The ILI shall not be determined using its present mode in developing countries for variety of reasons to arrive at meaningful information. This paper provides a comprehensive insight on the challenges in water loss management in developing countries which need to be considered while evaluating the performance of water supply utilities. The modified Unavoidable Annual Real Loss equation for use in developing countries is proposed; and the encouraging results of a case study are presented.