Water loss management is gaining significant momentum in the United States, with growing recognition of its benefits which extend from resource conservation to financial gain to ratepayer equity to extended asset life. While all of these benefits are utility-centric, there is a growing recognition among the regulatory and infrastructure funding community that widespread adoption of the best-management practices associated with water loss control have a measurable and meaningful impact on the macro level as well. Many states now require water utilities to conduct annual audits in accordance with the industry standard AWWA Water Audit Methodology. By conducting regular audits, water utilities in these states and elsewhere are gaining a better understanding of their water losses and are adopting valuable best business practices that save them money and improve system efficiencies. This presentation will explore the water loss management movement sweeping across the nation and outline the essential elements of an AWWA Water Audit.
