Investigation on non-revenue water and potential energy saving in Greater Colombo region

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to identify critical factors influencing high nonrevenue water percentage which directly affects energy usage in greater Colombo region. It also addresses finding methods to minimize the percentage of non-revenue water. This study was carried out through a data analysis where the energy related data and quantities of water production data were collected from Ambathale water Treatment Plant. The NRW data was collected from relevant officers involved in distribution systems of National Water Supply and Drainage Board. This study only covers the greater Colombo region (Colombo city limits). All other regions have issues related to non-revenue water in different levels. Therefore, generalization of this specific sector results for other provinces may have limitations. Analysis of Colombo city region statistics shows that the water supply entity in Sri Lanka (National Water Supply and Drainage Board) is unable to reduce the Non Revenue Water percentage in Colombo city region which results in higher energy loss in the water supply system. Necessary recommendations and suggestions are made for the implementation of programs to reduce non-revenue water percentage for a significant figure in greater Colombo region since this region has the highest NRW percentage in Sri Lanka. Improvement of service level to consumers, optimization of operational efficiency, reduction of production costs by reducing of specific energy consumption of water and institutional developments are some of the factors that can be achieved. Facilitating access to safe drinking water for people has great impact on socioeconomic development in Sri Lanka. Therefore, results of this study may help to develop a program to reduce non-revenue water percentage in greater Colombo region and thereby reduction of electrical energy usage, while ensuring the safe drinking water for higher percentage of the population living in greater Colombo region.