Hidden consequences of non-revenue water:
the embedded costs of water loss
Non-revenue water (NRW) is a recurring challenge in the water distribution network. When network pressure is higher than demand requires, more water is lost through existing leaks, infrastructure is exposed to unnecessary stress, and pumps use more energy than needed.
Intelligent water pressure management helps utilities run the network closer to actual demand, adapting pressure as conditions change to improve water network efficiency while maintaining reliable supply.
Reduce physical water loss with demand-driven pressure control
Water loss through leaks is a major contributor to non-revenue water in distribution networks. When unnecessary pressure is provided to the system, the loss of water through small cracks, joints and other defects increases. This is often referred to as background leakage, and the extent to which leakage increases with pressure varies with pipe material, leak type and network conditions.
Pressure transients and surges can also increase stress on pipes, joints and fittings. Over time, this can worsen existing weaknesses and increase the likelihood of leaks or bursts, particularly in ageing infrastructure.
Demand-driven pressure control adapts network pressure as demand and network conditions change, helping reduce background leakage and stress on the network while maintaining the service pressure required by end users.
Unnecessary additional pressure can increase background leakage and place additional stress on pipes, joints and fittings.
Cut energy use and costs with higher pump efficiency, reliability and control
Water demand changes throughout the day, but fixed-speed pumps do not adjust their speed to follow. When pumps continue to operate at the same speed during periods of lower demand, they generate more pressure and use more energy than required.
The added intelligence of controllers, drives and digital solutions unlock demand-driven pressure control that uses network and operating data to continuously adjust the required pressure and coordinate pump operation.
Reliable pressure also depends on maintaining operation if a pump becomes unavailable. Multi-pump systems can provide backup capacity through standby pump allocation and pump changeover, reducing reliance on a single pump and helping maintain supply. Grundfos Connect Asset Monitor provides remote visibility into pump operation and energy performance, helping utilities identify inefficiencies and take corrective action.
Together, these capabilities help utilities reduce unnecessary energy use and operating costs while maintaining reliable supply as demand changes.
Reduce water and energy loss with intelligent pressure management
Learn how efficient pumping, intelligent control and network insight can work together to match pressure to demand, reduce physical water loss and cut unnecessary energy use. See which Grundfos solutions can help improve pressure control and water network efficiency while ensuring reliable supply.
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