Assessment of factors which contribute to Non-revenue Water in Kenya and their mitigation: case of Meru Water supply

Abstract

The availability of water resources has been undergoing reduction with time as a result of rising water demand from rapid growth in population, environmental degradation, and irrigated agriculture in the rural areas and industries in the cities and major towns. This has strained the available water sources leading to failure by water supplies to meet the current water demand resulting into water rationing as a way of managing the supply. In addition, there has been low funding resulting into low coverage presently standing at around 56% while the population growth is ever increasing. The sector also experiences large quantities in Non-Revenue Water and insufficient tariff to cater for maintenance and operations (O&M) costs. The study aimed at assessing the factors which cause Non-Revenue Water in Kenya based on case study of Meru Water Supply Scheme, being one of the best managed Non- Revenue in the country. In addition, the study aimed at evaluating the water balance by establishing the levels of all components of Non-Revenue Water and Revenue Water in the scheme based on the International Water Association standards and water balance table. It also assessed the relationship between pressure and leakages and lastly analysed the economic level of leakage for Meru water supply scheme and strategies to mitigate against Non-Revenue Water. The specific objectives of the study were to Assess the factors that cause Non-Revenue Water, Evaluate the water balance for Meru water scheme, Assess the relationship between pressure and leakages and analyse the leakages’ economic level and the strategies to control Non-Revenue Water. The research findings revealed that high Non-Revenue depends on the organizational practices like operation and maintenance techniques, methodology of repair works, connection and disconnection practices, lack of as built drawings, illegal connections and organizational culture. The results of evaluation of the water balance, the Revenue Water Volume was 83% of which billed metered consumption was about 83% and billed unmetered consumption was 0%. The Non- Revenue Water Volume was 17% consisting of leakage on water mains, overflow from tanks, and leakages on service pipes, apparent losses 2.3% and metering inaccuracies 1.5%. The study found that there is an empirical relationship between leakage and pressure. High operating pressures result into high leakage volumes whenever leaks occur. The analysis of economic level of leakage reveals that the cost of reducing Non – Revenue Water depends on the intensity of the exercise. Asset and pressure management, the speed and quality of repairs and active control of leakage are important factors to reduce Non – Revenue Water.