2013 WaterLoss

Many public water utilities in sub-Saharan Africa perform below expectation and their unaccounted for water averages 40% - 60%. As a result, strategies to manage water losses are of paramount importance. The City of Harare with unaccounted for water losses averaging 60% is equally vulnerable. This study focused on the water supply system of the City of Harare with a view to investigate and assess water loss management strategies. The contribution of water leakages to total water loss was carried out through water audits in four selected suburbs, whose results established that the total water loss was over 36%. For the entire city water audits showed that the non revenue water has been ranging from 50-60% in recent months. The leakage levels (real losses) averaging 35% were far in excess of the total water losses (real plus apparent losses) expected of well performing utilities in developing countries of 23%. Although water loss management strategies are in place in Harare the strategies are not rightly and consistently implemented. The study concluded that water loss management practices in Harare were not sustainable, thus affecting revenue collection, and system maintenance and performance. Therefore, there is need for Harare to take a more proactive approach to water loss management including periodic water audits, procurement of leak detection equipment and sustained meter testing and replacement. Also City of Harare should develop and periodically conduct stakeholder awareness campaigns on water loss management strategies in place.

responsible : Dr. Eugine Makaya