What are the characteristics of non-revenue water in wastewater systems?

Non-revenue water in wastewater systems refers to water that is produced but not billed to customers, which means it does not generate any revenue for the utility. This concept is important for understanding the financial performance of water and wastewater systems. Non-revenue water can arise from various factors, including leaks, metering inaccuracies, unbilled water for fire fighting, or water used for maintenance and testing purposes.

In essence, this form of water represents a loss for the utility since it incurs costs associated with production, treatment, and distribution, yet does not contribute to income. Recognizing and monitoring non-revenue water helps utilities identify areas for improvement, reduce waste, and ultimately enhance efficiency.

The other options involve scenarios where water is either accounted for and billed, indicates specific uses, or pertains to treated water that is intentionally not discharged, none of which align with the definition of non-revenue water. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective management and sustainability in wastewater systems.