Medidas para Redução de Perdas de Água em Sistemas de Abastecimento de Água

Abstract

The growing concern over water scarcity and the sustainability of natural resources has driven the search for efficient solutions in the management of water supply systems (WSS). One of the most critical areas is water loss reduction, a complex challenge with significant economic, environmental, public health, and social impacts. This literature review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on various measures and strategies to mitigate water losses in WSS, covering both real (physical) losses—resulting from leaks in pipelines, reservoirs, and connections—and apparent (commercial) losses—caused by metering errors, fraud, and unauthorized consumption. The reviewed literature highlights the importance of accurately diagnosing losses through water balance analysis to identify components of non-revenue water (NRW). Based on this diagnosis, several intervention strategies are proposed. To combat real losses, key measures include active leakage control through efficient detection and repair, pressure management in networks, infrastructure maintenance and renewal, and network sectorization to facilitate leak location and pressure control. The implementation of District Metered Areas (DMAs) has also proven to be an effective practice for monitoring and controlling losses in designated areas. Regarding apparent losses, crucial measures involve replacing obsolete and inaccurate water meters, tackling unauthorized consumption through inspections and regularization, and improving reading and billing processes. The adoption of technologies such as telemetry for remote consumption monitoring also contributes to anomaly detection and fraud prevention. Case studies, including Águas de Gaia, CESAN in Ibatiba, SAAE in Itapira, and SABESP in São Paulo, illustrate the practical application of these measures and their effectiveness in reducing water loss rates. The literature further emphasizes the importance of integrated action plans, engagement of operational and commercial teams, investment in training and technology, and the establishment of clear goals and performance indicators for monitoring and evaluating implemented actions. Additionally, raising public awareness about efficient water use is considered an important complementary factor. In summary, the literature review demonstrates that reducing water losses in WSS requires a multifaceted and continuous approach, combining technical, commercial, managerial, and awareness-raising interventions tailored to the specific realities of each system and managing entity.