Non-revenue water in the Middle East: How is the water infrastructure organized? What damage does NRW cause and what solutions do we offer? We wanted to know this and much more and asked Gopinath Radhakrishnan for an interview:

How is the water infrastructure structered in the Middle East?

To meet water demand, many countries in the Middle East rely on desalination plants. Over 75% of worldwide desalinated water is in the Middle East and North Africa, 70% of which is in the GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates) and 6% in Libya and Algeria. Middle east countries have their own water board authorities who operate and regulate the water networks right from production, transmission and distribution.
 

What are the major challenges regarding non-revenue water from Hawle´s point of view?

Identifying the small leakage points on the pipeline is one of the major challenges. Thousands of small leaks which majorly lead to a huge water loss go undetected. Identifying and replacing of aging pipelines and equipment. The benefits that arise from reducing NRW are yet to become driving forces behind tackling this endemic challenge in developing countries. Despite the benefits and decades of training and advocacy, NRW reduction still receives scant attention amongst those utilities which would most benefit from it.

What methods are used for leak detection?

Widely used leak detection methods are Acoustic Leak Detection testing, Ultrasonic Leak Detection testing. Other methods are under study or under approval by the local authorities.

What damages, caused by leaks, do you find on site? 

Flooding of chambers/roads creating huge hindrance to public and government officials. A recent case is presented below:
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/emergencies/flooded-dubai-road-cleared-after-pipe-burst

Leaking pipes cause structural and cosmetic damage inside the building.

What damage does NRW cause due to low-quality products?

The main objective of a water utility is to satisfy customer demand. A high level of NRW has a severe and direct impact on the ability of utilities to meet this objective and therefore has a negative impact on customers. High physical losses often lead to intermittent supply and also increase flow rates in the pipe network, which can cause unnecessarily high pressure losses that affect customers and often lead to supply interruptions during peak demand hours.

What solutions does Hawle offer / what products are used for leaks?

Pipe repair clamps, special couplings customized for the particular damage or leak. Sustainable alternate solution for replacement with specialized products, e.g. Combi valves in special junctions.

Are illegal extractions widespread in the Middle East? Where and how can they be prevented? 

In my opinion, illegal extractions of water should be minimal since Middle east countries provide good water facilities to their countries’ populations and have robust monitoring systems.