Status:
Complete
Location:
Bac Ninh - Vietnam
Region:
Asia
Total cost:
USD $0
Duration:
6 months 4 weeks
Start:
31 October 2006
End:
30 May 2007
Working Areas
Non-Revenue Water (NRW 1): Commercial Losses Management
Other
Organizations Involved
Bac Ninh Water Supply and Sewerage Company — Lead Mentee
Ranhill Utilities Berhad — Lead Mentor
WaterLinks
Broker
USAID (Eco-Asia)
Funder
SDGs
6.1Universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
Project description
The WOP aim to strengthening its NRW management program.
Project main objectives

strengthening its NRW management program;
improving customer outreach to attract new customers;
Most significant results
Describe WOPs activities
December 2006
With USAID facilitation, Ranhill and Bac Ninh prepared a work plan, based on Ranhill's assessment, that included a series of training activities, site visits, and technical assistance. It defined key roles and responsibilities, outlined the major activities, noted cost-sharing, and listed the expected results. Ranhill and Bac Ninh, along with USAID signed a Memorandum of Agreement to implement the work plan and allocate necessary resources

February 2007
With USAID support, three Ranhill experts conducted the 1st training on understanding NRW and performing a water audit for Bac Ninh. Approximately 40 participants ranging from senior directors to technicians learned about NRW and its key sources and impacts on a water utility. The training also introduced a systematic best practice of estimating levels of NRW using the International Water Association water balance methodology. Ranhill provided the free software. At the end of the training, Bac Ninh began calculating its water balance using real-time data and reported findings to Ranhill.

April 2007
The water balance required accurate information on water treated and consumed. To better estimate the amount of water treated, Bac Ninh purchased and installed a new production meter at the treatment plant. Bac Ninh staff continued to practice estimating the level of NRW using the water balance with USAID support and Ranhill assistance. Bac Ninh also established a dedicated NRW team to monitor its water loss management efforts.

May 2007
Two Ranhill specialists trained 30 Bac Ninh operations staff to identify and address NRW sources after having Bac Ninh calculate its water balance. Ranhill verified the water balance results to pinpoint NRW components. Bac Ninh determined that NRW came mainly from commercial losses (metering inaccuracies and billing/collection errors) and to an extent from physical losses (pipe leakage). Ranhill then provided practical tips and recommendations to address the NRW elements, including verifying leakage detection activities.