Reducing non-revenue water in Luxor-Egypt using GIS

Abstract

Unaccounted for Water, referring to all losses from the water system, illegal or otherwise, frequently exceeds 40% of all water produced. This represents a major strain on utility operations and budgets. A large amount of Unaccounted for Water indicates large losses in the revenue of the utilities. Deficiency in financial resources normally leads to a deficiency in the performance of the utility. This deficiency in performance may affect the operation and maintenance of treatment plants and network components. The main objective is to reduce Unaccounted for Water rates. The multi-stage systematic process involves measuring water flow, leak detection, installing and fixing meters, reducing illegal connections, and increasing billing and collections, and developing Geographic Information System layers and databases for all of them. Another objective is to connect Geographic Information System maps with Billing, hydraulic systems, hotline systems, etc. After choosing a pilot area, we review similar activities, conduct field visits, and hold meetings, prepare the timeline schedule, prepare, and implement base maps and the water network, analyze, and compare end-line results, and report the results. A high reduction in the Unaccounted for Water percentage is expected due to fixing the discovered leaks. The issue of Unaccounted for Water, encompassing losses from the system, whether legal or illegal. This places a significant burden on both utility operations and budgets. A substantial volume of Unaccounted for Water signifies considerable revenue losses for the utilities, and the financial constraints often translate into performance deficiencies within the utility. We formulated a methodology aimed at assisting utilities in lowering Unaccounted for Water rates. This structured, multi-stage process includes activities such as measuring water flow, implementing leak detection measures, installing, and repairing meters, minimizing illegal connections, and enhancing billing and collection.