Nonrevenue water paradigm for planning and management by performance indicators Open Access

Water service providers often face challenges in assessing their nonrevenue water (NRW) performance, leading to ambitious targets and revised management plans. Effective NRW management requires technical, managerial, and behavioral strategies to minimize losses. A key barrier to global NRW reduction is the limited understanding of its magnitude, causes, and costs. Many utility staff and decision-makers cannot identify root causes. To address this, the planning and management by performance indicator (PMPI) model was developed. It offers a standardized, quantifiable method to evaluate NRW performance. By tracking indicators over time, utilities can assess interventions, spot trends, and adjust plans accordingly. The model was developed through a systematic literature review and expert consultations. It received a 78.7% overall validation rating from academic and professional experts, indicating strong reliability. PMPI follows a linear, step-by-step process: analyzing indicators, setting targets, creating action plans, and making continuous improvements based on feedback. To ensure comprehensive management, the model incorporates the International Water Association (IWA) water balance framework and its key components. PMPI provides a structured approach to analyzing, planning, managing, implementing, and monitoring NRW reduction efforts.

• A novel application model for planning and management by performance indicator (PMPI) introduces planning and management by performance indicators (PIs).

• This model is specifically tailored to assess and optimize nonrevenue water based on a quantitative approach not a percentage.

• This model will give the utility managers insights into which PIs should be taken into consideration as intervention priority.

• The PI category was adopted from the International Water Association's water balance.