THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

In the management of water supply and distribution, Non-Revenue Water (NRW) analysis is essential. Water that is produced and treated but not billed to customers because of leaks, inaccurate meters, or unapproved use is referred to as NRW. The main objective of the study is to determine the current NRW level, major causes, and challenges to reducing Non- Revenue Water (NRW), assess the perception of customers on water related issues of Maharajgunj branch and determine the strategy to reduce NRW in the Maharajgunj distribution system. Assessment of Non-Revenue water was done by the water balance software, WB-EasyCalc version 6.17. Non-Revenue water for the Maharajgunj distribution system is 4879857 m3 (50.86% of the system input volume.) A content analysis using KII was carried out to find causes of NRW. The major causes of non-revenue water from the study are; Illegal Connection and unauthorized use of water, Inefficient leakage control practice, Budgetary problem, less focus on regular and effective meter reading, Need for replacement of existing water utilities, not enough inspection of theft and illegal connections, Less concern towards reduction of NRW, Inadequate skilled manpower and Intermittent water supply. This study also focuses on evaluating customer’s perception towards Maharajgunj branch. Within the Maharajgunj branch, a questionnaire survey was completed, and the findings were shown in a pie chart that indicated the degree of client satisfaction with each metric. The possible strategy to reduce the Non-Revenue water is also obtained through KII. The possible strategy to minimize non-revenue water are; Installation of efficient bulk meters and house meters, Active leakage control, Awareness about NRW and Awarding for NRW reduction work, Effective and efficient meter reading practice, Replacement of existing networks with DMAs., Budgetary provision in NRW and Creating of regular inspecting habit.

Keywords

Non-Revenue Water, Customer’s satisfaction, Water balance, KUKL.