Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has raised alarms over severe inefficiencies in its water distribution system, revealing that only 48 percent of the water it produces successfully reaches consumers. This startling figure indicates that 52 percent of treated water is lost due to system flaws.

The revelation was made by Adam Mutawakilu, the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWL, during a water management forum held in Accra. He cited pipeline leakages, illegal connections, and inefficient infrastructure as the primary culprits behind the water loss.

What is Non-Revenue Water?

Non-revenue water (NRW) refers to water that is produced but fails to generate revenue because it does not reach consumers. According to GWL, the company recorded a 52 percent NRW rate by the end of December 2024, indicating that over half of the treated water goes to waste.

“As of December 2024, non-revenue water was 52 percent. This means that the moment we produce and dispatch water, only 48 percent gets to customers,” Mutawakilu disclosed.

Causes of Water Loss:

1. Pipeline Leakages: Aging and poorly maintained infrastructure lead to frequent bursts.
2. Illegal Connections: Unauthorized tapping of water lines diverts supply and increases waste.
3. Distribution Inefficiencies: Outdated systems result in poor regulation and water loss before it reaches homes.

Impact on Communities:

The high rate of water loss has resulted in:

• Water shortages in many communities.
• Financial strain on GWL due to reduced revenue.
• Increased reliance on alternative water sources, including private tankers.

What’s Next?

To address these challenges, GWL plans to:

• Upgrade aging pipelines to reduce leakages.
• Implement stricter regulations to curb illegal connections.
• Adopt advanced water management technologies for efficient distribution.

Call for Government and Public Support

Mutawakilu emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public to address these systemic issues.

“Efficient water distribution is a collective responsibility. We need stronger policies and public support to minimize losses,” he added.