AWWA M36 : 2024

The manual explains the AWWA water audit methodology in a user-friendly manner and provides an overview of some of the best loss control techniques used to implement a sustainable NRW management program. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction, while Chapter 2 gives detailed instruction on the water audit process and explains the use of the Version 6.0 AWWA Free Water Audit Software. Chapters 3 and 4 describe the impacts and the methods to control apparent losses, especially ways to recoup missing revenues by controlling these losses. Chapters 5 and 6 discuss the impacts of real losses, which are largely due to leakage, and the methods to control these losses, including proactive leak detection, flow measurement in district metered areas, and advanced pressure management. Chapter 7 provides the planning and organizational steps a water utility can take to implement and sustain the NRW management program, while Chapter 8 offers valuable insights for small water systems in managing their losses. A glossary of terms and definitions is also provided. Two appendixes are included. Appendix A provides detailed guidance on production flowmeter management, including flowmeter accuracy testing and flowmeter data integrity. Appendix B discusses NRW impacts on water resources. The AWWA Free Water Audit Software can be downloaded directly from the Water Loss Control resource page at the AWWA website and used to obtain a preliminary quantity of losses and their costs. This step can be followed up by field measurements and investigations to gradually enhance and validate the water audit, procedures that are clearly described throughout this manual. Examples are included within the manual for the fictitious County Water Company, illustrating the means to compile the water audit and initiate control of apparent and real losses.