In the heart of Indonesia’s water management sector, a significant stride towards efficiency and cost savings has been made, with implications that resonate far beyond the archipelago. Dewa Made Indra Widnyana Swantara, a researcher from Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, has published a study in *Jurnal Presipitasi* (translated as *Journal of Precipitation*) that could revolutionize how water utilities tackle non-revenue water (NRW) and optimize their district metered areas (DMAs).
NRW, a term familiar to water utility professionals, refers to water that has been produced and is lost before it reaches the customer. For Indonesia, this is no small issue—with a national NRW rate of 33.7% in 2022. At PT Air Minum Giri Menang (PT AMGM), a water utility in Indonesia, the rate was even higher at 36.21%. This represents a substantial financial drain, as water is lost through leaks, theft, and other inefficiencies, translating into lost revenue and increased operational costs.
Swantara’s research zeroed in on DMAs, which are essentially sections of a water distribution network that are isolated and monitored to detect leaks and manage water more efficiently. Despite being implemented in 2018, the effectiveness of DMAs at PT AMGM had been hampered by poor monitoring. Swantara’s study evaluated the current conditions of these DMAs, creating a water balance and using EPANET 2.2 software for analysis. The research identified fifteen DMAs, with only five being well-established.
Two DMAs were selected for optimization: DMA Graha Permata Kota and DMA Elit Kota Mataram. Simulations revealed that many pipes in these DMAs did not meet flow speed standards. However, water pressure in DMA Graha Permata Kota was fully satisfied at 100%, while DMA Elit Kota Mataram achieved 84.5%. The study noted a significant reduction in NRW by an average of 27.26% in the selected DMAs.
The financial implications of this optimization are substantial. The total repair cost was estimated at Rp 14,725,300, leading to additional annual revenue of Rp 128,747,424. “This is a game-changer for water utilities,” Swantara remarked. “By optimizing DMAs, we can significantly reduce NRW, leading to substantial cost savings and increased revenue.”
The study also highlighted the importance of institutional performance, which was rated as “good.” However, it noted that an increase of 14 field staff for water loss control is needed to further enhance efficiency.
The research published in *Jurnal Presipitasi* not only provides a roadmap for PT AMGM but also offers valuable insights for water utilities worldwide. As the global water sector grapples with aging infrastructure and increasing demand, the optimization of DMAs presents a promising strategy to improve efficiency and reduce losses.
Swantara’s work underscores the need for a holistic approach to water management, combining technical, financial, and institutional assessments. “This is not just about fixing leaks,” Swantara explained. “It’s about creating a sustainable system that can adapt to changing demands and ensure water security for all.”
As the water sector continues to evolve, Swantara’s research serves as a beacon, guiding professionals towards more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable water management practices. The implications for the energy sector are also significant, as water and energy are intrinsically linked. Reducing NRW can lead to lower energy consumption for water treatment and distribution, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy sector.
In an era where resource efficiency is paramount, Swantara’s study offers a compelling case for the optimization of DMAs, setting a new standard for water utilities and paving the way for a more sustainable future.