OVERVIEW OF WATER LOSSES FROM NON-REVENUE WATER (NRW) IN OMAN
Main article
Abstract
Water is the most vital and crucial resource for all living things, including humans. Public health, economic prosperity, and the well-being of the country are all impacted by both the availability and the quality of drinking
water. Non-Revenue Water (NRW) occurs in many water supply systems around the world that cause the losses of priceless clean water before it reaches consumers. In Oman, the information on water audit, NRW, or water losses are scarce. According to the PAEW, the average of water losses in Oman between 2013 and 2016 is estimated to be around 37%, which exceeds the global benchmark that the Leak Detection and Water Accountability Committee of the American Water Works Association recommends. This paper presents a critical review of the magnitude of non
revenue water (NRW) in Oman and evaluates the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Previous studies indicate that Oman experiences significant water losses, with NRW reaching approximately 40%, a level considered high by global standards. A critical assessment of the contributing factors reveals that excessive water pressure in certain
network segments and inaccuracies in water consumption estimation, primarily due to meter deficiencies, play a significant role in these losses. Moreover, the financial impact of NRW is substantial, accounting for 32% of the total revenue budget. Despite these challenges, the Public Authority for Water (DIAM) reported notable progress in reducing NRW in 2017. While the reported success is attributed to the implementation of advanced strategies, procedures, and technologies, a deeper analysis is required to assess the long-term sustainability and scalability of these measures. This review highlights the gaps in current mitigation efforts and underscores the need for continuous improvements in NRW management to enhance water conservation and economic efficiency in Oman.
