What percentage of unaccounted water is considered excessive in a water system?

In a water system, unaccounted water, often referred to as "non-revenue water," includes water that is produced but not billed to customers. This can arise from leaks, theft, or inaccuracies in metering. A benchmark commonly used in the industry indicates that a system with more than 10% unaccounted water is considered to have excessive losses. This threshold reflects a balance between operational efficiency and the acceptable limits of unavoidable system losses.

When unaccounted water exceeds this 10% mark, it raises concerns about the management of the water distribution system and suggests inefficiencies that can operate at a financial loss. Water systems are encouraged to monitor and reduce unaccounted water to enhance their overall performance and sustainability. Having a percentage at or below 10% indicates a more effective management of resources and better fiscal responsibility in terms of water distribution.