Systematic work with leaks, data and operations can significantly reduce water loss.
Water loss – often measured as NRW (Non-Revenue Water) – is one of the biggest challenges in many water utilities. Even small leaks can lead to large losses of water, energy and resources over time.
With DWI A / S We work practically and data-driven to identify, understand and reduce water losses in water supply networks.
The goal is simple: less water loss, better operations and stronger security of supply.
What is water loss and NRW?
NRW covers the water that is produced but does not reach consumers or is not registered correctly.
This may be due to, among other things:
- leaks in wiring
- hidden fractures
- errors in installations
- measurement error
- Inadequate registration of wires
In many water supplies, water loss occurs gradually and without obvious signs, making systematic monitoring essential.
Reducing water loss requires system understanding
Many organizations try to reduce water loss by finding more leaks. However, experience shows otherwise:
You don't reduce water loss by finding leaks.
You can reduce water loss by understanding your water network.
When utilities work with measurements, analysis and planning, efforts can be targeted much better.
Water loss occurs as patterns
Water loss rarely occurs as a single event.
It occurs as small changes in a network over time.
Therefore, effective reduction of NRW requires:
- measurements
- analysis
- systematic effort
- When these three elements are combined, working with water loss becomes much more effective.
Why reducing water loss is important
Working with water loss is not just about operations. It is also about energy, climate and responsible use of water resources.
Reduced water loss means, among other things:
- better use of water resources
- lower energy consumption
- less strain on waterworks
- fewer acute fractures
- better planning of investments
Therefore, more and more water utilities are working strategically to reduce NRW.
EU targets and international benchmarks
Water loss is also a key issue internationally. Many European water utilities are currently working towards levels below 15 % NRW.
Reaching these levels typically requires a combination of technology, operational experience and long-term planning.
From leak detection to systematic monitoring
Effectively reducing water loss requires multiple tools working together.
At DWI we combine, among other things:
- practical leak detection
- wire search
- data loggers for monitoring wiring networks
- analysis tools like HydrantAI
- advice on structure and operation
When data, technology and experience from the field are combined, a much better decision-making basis is created.
A system model for reducing water loss
The work with NRW can be understood as a coherent process:
Installations in wiring networks
↓
Monitoring and measurements
↓
Data analysis
↓
Targeted leak detection
↓
Repair and improvement
↓
Lower water loss
When the entire chain works, working with water loss becomes both more efficient and more predictable.
Installations are the foundation
Technology can only work if the installations in the wiring network do.
Valves, covers, access to installations and correct registration in GIS are crucial for both leak detection and data logging.
At DWI, we work from a simple experience:
In water supply, data only works if the installations do. The entire chain – from valve to cover to advanced data processing – must work.
Water loss as a strategic investment
For many utilities, reducing water loss is one of the most profitable investments in operations.
A systematic approach can contribute to:
- better prioritization of maintenance
- more targeted wiring replacement
- lower operating costs
- Documentable improvements over time
Therefore, NRW reduction is increasingly included in strategic plans for water supplies.
The interaction between technology and practice
In modern water supplies, several tools work together to address water loss.
DWI works with, among other things:
- leak detection in the field
- monitoring with data loggers
- analysis of sensor data
- AI-based system understanding
- advice on wiring networks
When technology is combined with practical experience, the effort becomes much more precise.
Contact DWI
Contact us for competent advice, leak detection and pipe location for your waterworks or water supply. We also assist commercial customers and private households with professional solutions.
