Abstract
In contextualising the serious water loss, inefficient resource utilization, and ineffective water utility management in Malaysia, the objective of this study is to understand the public’s perception of non-revenue water (NRW) management in order to provide policy inputs, and to determine ways to improve public participation in NRW reduction. Findings reveal that there is currently only meagre public participation in NRW management in Malaysia, with a majority of the respondents demonstrating a lack of knowledge and awareness on NRW; over-dependence on water utility and government agencies in reducing NRW rates; and failure to submit a report when a leaking pipe is noticed. Educating the public on the importance of reducing NRW and promoting public interests and concerns around water tariffs, is essential to improve NRW reductions in Malaysia. Community-led strategies to better engage the public in addressing NRW-related issues have to be enhanced. To this end, concrete policy implications derived from the findings of the study are outlined.
Highlights
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is the difference between the volume of water supplied in the water distribution system and the volume of water billed to the water consumer [1]
The region’s water services, including NRW reduction, is a provided by Penang Water Supply Corporation (PWSC), which is a privatised water service provider owned by the Penang State Government
State who prefer to solve their water supply problems by developing more water resources instead of managing water demand; and (iv) the majority of the respondents do not report to water service providers when they find leaking or bursting pipes on the road, and most of them do not save the water service provider’s phone number into their mobile phones
Summary
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is the difference between the volume of water supplied in the water distribution system and the volume of water billed to the water consumer [1]. NRW can be categorised as the water losses caused by real loss and apparent loss, and the unbilled authorised consumption (Table A1). Apparent loss consists of unauthorized consumption and meter inaccuracy, for example illegal water connection, meter under registration and data handling errors, whereas unbilled authorised consumption includes the water used by the water utilities for operation purpose (e.g., flushing and cleaning), water used for fire-fighting, and water provided free to certain consumer groups [1]. High rates of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) remain a serious problem, the importance of reducing NRW is well-known to the water sector [4]. The World Bank estimated the average NRW rate in developing countries as 35 per cent, accounting for losses of approximately 26 billion m3 of water [4]. A report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) stated that
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