What does the term "non-revenue water" refer to?

The term "non-revenue water" primarily refers to water that is produced by the utility but does not generate any income because it is not billed to customers. This situation typically arises due to several factors such as leaks in the distribution system, inaccurate metering, unauthorized consumption, or water that is unaccounted for due to management inefficiencies.

Non-revenue water is a significant concern for water utilities as it represents a loss of potential revenue and can indicate underlying issues within the system that may need addressing. Understanding and managing non-revenue water is essential for improving efficiency, ensuring sustainability, and optimizing resource management in water supply systems.