Analysis of water losses in seven small and medium-sized water distribution networks in the south region of Cameroon (Central Africa)

Abstract

Abstract This paper analyzes and evaluates water losses in seven small and medium-sized water supply networks in the south region of Cameroon in order to contribute to improving the most effective approaches to reducing water losses in Sub-Saharan Africa's water supply networks. Water losses were analyzed using a variety of indices as well as indices recommended by the International Water Association. The results lead to the conclusion that all the water supply networks achieved mixed results compared to national data and very weak results compared to international standards. The failure intensity index didn’t perform well for all the analyzed water supply networks, leading to the conclusion that the water supply networks studied are not technically in good condition. The percentage water loss indices for all the water supply networks range from 6.06–87.25%. Only the Ambam water supply network performed well in terms of unit water loss. The non-revenue water basic index values in all the studied water supply networks range from 18.37–92.21%. The real leakage balance index in all the studied water supply networks ranges from 27.31 to 2,916.30 dm3/connection/day. Results also suggest that the infrastructure leakage index ranged from 0.02 to 122.65 and that there is a need for improvement to enhance profitability with better network pressure management, active leakage control, and network maintenance. This assessment, however, offers only a current snapshot of the status of water loss in the water supply networks analyzed and should be repeated at regular intervals to follow changes in general and local conditions.