Cost-effective non-revenue water reduction: analysis through pilot activities in Kigali City, Rwanda

ABSTRACT Non-revenue water (NRW) is a major problem for water utilities, and its reduction has become an important challenge in ensuring a sustainable water supply. However, a lack of clarity regarding the cost–benefit analysis of investment in pilot activities to reduce NRW may hinder further investment in such projects. Thus, we attempted to identify strategies for effective NRW reduction and establish a method for estimating their cost-effectiveness. To this end, a project to strengthen the NRW management capacity and build a sustainable NRW reduction system was implemented in Kigali City, Rwanda, between 2016 and 2021. The project included four objectives: enhancement of the planning capacity for NRW reduction; acquisition of basic knowledge, skills, and techniques for NRW control; enhancement of staff capacity to execute NRW reduction measures; and establishment of a system to accurately measure NRW ratios. The project helped to formulate a 5-year plan for NRW reduction and 596 employees of Kigali City were trained for the same. The NRW ratios were reduced by 10 and 12% in the two pilot areas of the city. Cost–benefit analysis revealed the effectiveness of the investment in NRW reduction activities over time.