There are two terms of particular interest in addressing water conservation in the municipal water user sector, unaccounted for water (UAW) and water demand management (WDM).

WDM and UAW are two different concepts with many similarities. In order to clarify the two concepts both the differences and the similarities should be considered. The two concepts, however, are equally important and relevant for water conservation, which is a wider concept.

All three concepts are multifarious and, in addition, their understanding requires interpretation in accordance with the current legislation as well as its practical application.

In a few words here is the difference between UAW and WDM: The conceptual difference between UAW and WDM is in the approach to the water user. WDM is, in addition to the physical losses from the water reticulation, also concerned with the efficiency of water use by each water user and water user sector. In terms of WDM it is not good enough that the water user pays his account, but also matters the manner in which water is used.

UAW, however, would not particularly target any part of the system beyond the water meter (and would not be concerned with efficiency of water use) as long as water consumption is properly recorded. Water user sectors are of interest to UAW assessments because of different quantities and consumption patterns which can have a significant impact (e.g. one inaccurate industrial water meter is much more important than one faulty domestic meter).

Whereas UAW reduction is a necessary endeavour to prevent unnecessary wastage of water, which also results in loss of revenue and pumping and purification costs, WDM is more than that. WDM promotes awareness of the scarcity of available water as well as motivates due care in using the scarce resource.

water conservation team understands multifarious concepts of water conservation in the municipal sector. If you need assistance in addressing your UAW or WDM needs our help line for water conservation in the municipal sector is available here.