THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Non-revenue water is one of the issues that water utilities across the world are facing, and it is equally challenging to reduce the loss of water. The assessment and management of non-revenue water is necessary in the current scenario where there is a scarcity of resources and a high demand for drinking water. The study is focused on the assessment of non- revenue water in DMA 4.1.2 under Baneshwor branch, Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited. The main objective of the study is to determine the current NRW level, major causes, and challenges in reducing non-revenue water (NRW), the functionality of the water supply scheme in DMA 4.1.2, and the strategy to minimize NRW in DMA 4.1.2. The current level of NRW in the DMA 4.1.2 is determined using the water balance program WB-Easy Calc version 6.17 (2021). The primary data for customer meter inaccuracy and pressure was collected from field test using portable water test meter and pressue datal logger. The secondary data were collected from Baneshwor branch office. The DMA 4.1.2 has a system input volume of 66289 m3 from Ashad to Falgun in 2080, with a non-revenue water volume of 16652 m3 (25.12% of the system input volume). There is more commercial loss than physical loss in this water distribution network. The physical loss is 6035 m3, which is about 36.24% of water losses. Commercial losses are 10617 m3, which is about 63.76% of water losses. The current state of the water supply scheme to run DMA 4.1.2 is good and poses little or no risk to functionality. A high functionality score suggests that there is less risk to the operation of the water supply scheme and distribution network. However, the construction of the intake is of high concern. The information from the respondent through the key informant interview is analyzed by content analysis to find causes, challenges, and strategies to reduce NRW. The information collected was summarized and analyzed into different categories, and the frequency of each category was determined. The major causes of non-revenue water are unauthorized consumption, poor meter reading practices, third-party pipeline damage, poor data handling and management, the coordination gap between PID and KUKL during house connections, poor water governance, a lack of an active leakage control program, poor meter management, intermittent supply, and customer meter inaccuracy. Poor institutional vii inspection and monitoring strategies have provided customers with space for meter tempering, removal of meters during supply times, and illegal use of water in this distribution network. Also, low levels of metering and meter reading inaccuracies have hindered the actual volume of water consumption. The lack of pressure sensors in the distribution network of DMA 4.1.2 makes it difficult to regulate pressure in pipelines and increases the risk of bursts. Effective and efficient meter reading practice is the key to reducing water loss. The rigid inspection and regular monitoring of the water distribution area are essential to prevent unauthorized consumption and water. The installation and placement of pressure sensors regulate the pressure in the distribution network and prevent the unusual burst of pipes. The timely procurement and availability of meters reduces water loss caused by damaged and tampered meters. The accuracy test of the customer meter can help identify deteriorated meters, and the replacement of such meters decreases water loss. The amendment of the KUKL connection policy, making it customer-friendly, reduces the illegal approach to consumption of water and ultimately reduces water loss. The coordination policy among the line agencies to create liability for the damage caused and coordination with respective agencies before execution of any work reduces the third-party damage to the pipeline, which reduces the water loss.

Keywords

Water Balance, Leakage, Non-Revenue Water, Functionality, DMA, KUKL.