–  company aims to significantly reduce water lost through leaks and wastage
THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the nation’s supplier of water and sanitation services, has embarked on a pilot survey to reduce the instances of non-revenue water. According to GWI’s Head of Field Services, Sunildat Barran, non-revenue water is water for which GWI does generate revenue and can be placed under two categories which are technical and commercial losses.
He explained that the technical losses occur when water is lost through breakages and leaks in GWI’s distribution system, as well as wastage by customers. He further stated that the commercial losses encompass incorrect meter readings, billing inaccuracies as well as inaccurate customer information.
“We intend to correct all these obstacles through the pilot survey (and) this will be done through visits to customers’ homes in order to verify their account information, ensure that meters are providing accurate readings and other activities related to reducing the amount of non-revenue water.” Barran stated.
He stated that the study will be executed in several areas including sections of East Berbice, Cotton Tree, West Berbice, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, Silver Town, Linden, Goed Fortuin, West Demerara and Lima, Essequibo.
He noted that communities in Georgetown and East Bank Demerara will be added to the pilot areas later in the year. Barran also explained that following the results of the initial survey, GWI plans to include more pilot areas with the aim of eliminating the loss of revenue through leaks and wastage.
The Field Services Head explained that another objective of the Pilot Study is to determine the actual value of non-revenue water in particular pilot study areas since GWI depends heavily on estimated figures for water lost via wastage and leaks.
“This study will assist us by providing real-time data to calculate the actual amount of non-revenue water in the pilot areas identified for the study,” stated Barran.
He said it is “imperative that we determine the actual value of non-revenue water and take necessary action to reduce the occurrence.”
GWI, in a statement yesterday, said its customers who reside in the pilot study areas can expect monthly visits from GWI personnel who will be conducting various exercises including testing the accuracy of meters, requesting account information, verifying the addresses of customers and ensuring that water service connections are not leaking. “The goal of the study,” stated Barran, “is to reconcile the service the customers are receiving with what GWI is producing via its various water production sites including well stations and water treatment facilities.”
Commenting on the immediate benefits of the survey, Barran noted that GWI customers will benefit from improved customer service following the success of the survey. This includes more accurate account information, reliable and efficient billing as well as the reduction of leaks. “We are asking all GWI customers to partner with us,” stated Barran, “as this survey will significantly aid GWI in providing an enhanced level of service to customers country-wide.”
For more information on the Non-Revenue Water Pilot Survey, customers can call 227-8701; email: customercallcentre@gwi.gy or post questions via Facebook at www.facebook.com/everydropcountsgy