In its report on reducing non-revenue water in developing countries, The World Bank estimates that 32 billion cubic metres of treated water leaks from networks each year, half of which is in developing countries. The cost of leaks, in reduced revenues and increased operational costs, is estimated at over $14 billion annually. According to the report, a 50% reduction in non-revenue water would save enough water to provide eight billion cubic metres to service customers as well as supply water to 90 million more people.

Tim Waldron of Wide Bay Water, Australia, the interim Chair of the IWA Water Loss Task Force, said: “In order to reduce water losses and future water demand, the specialist group will continue to develop strategies to manage water loss and make the results of its work available to stakeholders, including water industry governance groups, utilities and employees, associated individuals and companies, and community representatives at all levels of government, including national and international agencies.”