What is the industry standard for acceptable water loss in a public water supply?

The industry standard for acceptable water loss in a public water supply is set at 10% or less. This benchmark is essential for ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of water supply systems. Water loss can occur for various reasons, including leaks in pipes, metering inaccuracies, and unauthorized consumption. Maintaining losses at or below 10% indicates that the water system is functioning effectively, and provides reassurance to the public regarding the reliability and professionalism of the water utility.

Minimizing water loss is crucial not just for conserving resources but also for maintaining economic sustainability for water providers. High levels of water loss can lead to increased operational costs and may indicate underlying infrastructure problems that need addressing. Therefore, achieving or staying below this standard is a key performance indicator for water utilities.