Assessment of the Causes of Non-revenue Water in Urban Water Distribution Systems: The Case of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Reduction of non-revenue water remains one of the major challenges facing the water utility in Bahir Dar, although there are currently no effective reduction plans in place. The general objective of this study was thus to pinpoint the root causes of non-revenue water and offer potential solutions. To achieve this objective, flow measurements, ultrasonic leak detection, and questionnaires and interviews were conducted. Statistical analysis was applied to analyze the non-revenue water questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative and qualitative research techniques within a probability systematic and a non-probability purposive sampling methodology were used. The findings indicated that a substantial percentage up to 45% of the water entering the Bahir Dar water supply system is non-revenue water. According to the results of the questionnaires and interviews, the current management of the water network, which lacks maintenance and repairs, active leakage control, high unpaid water bills, low employee motivation, low team spirit, and insufficient financial resources of the utility, are the main causes of the high non-revenue water in the Bahir Dar water supply system.