Author(s): Timothy Lord; Gregory De Costa; Induka Werellagama
Linked Author(s): Gregory De Costa, Timothy Lord, Induka Werellagama
Keywords: Cost of water Water losses Drinking water NRW (Non-revenue water)
Abstract: Wellington, the New Zealand capital, is estimated to lose 40% of its drinking water due to leaks (Fixing Leaks, n. d. ). With around 30 million m3 of water supplied annually (Water Usage - Wellington City Council, n. d. ), this equates to a loss of about 12 million m3 of drinking water yearly. These infrastructure shortcomings create environmental and economic challenges, with repair costs rising from $1,500 three years ago to $4,932 in February 2024 (Wellington Water Fails to Meet Performance Targets, 2023). This has contributed to the now project $2.5 billion needed to upgrade Wellington’s pipes (Wellington Water suggests $2.5b, 2023). Moreover, forecasts show that household water bills will increase by 9% annually, reaching more than $300 per month within the next decade (The Post, 2024). This financial burden will severely impact the cost of living of residents, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable water management. This paper compares the results of interventions on water loss, assessing the changes and their alignment with local per capita water consumption and drinking water loss targets. Additionally, it considers other strategies to mitigate water loss, optimize resource management, and reduce economic impacts.
Year: 2025