Why is DWR initiating Project Saving Water, Saving Money?
DWR wants to save water from being wasted through leaks in the County’s water distribution system, which in turn will save money that is spent to treat water that is never used. Project Saving Water, Saving Money is part of a larger program DWR is implementing to help reduce and prevent what is known as “non-revenue” water. “Non-revenue” means DWR has already paid for the treatment of the water but hasn’t received compensation for it. This includes water stolen from the system, water leaking from the system, and even the water used to fight fires. It’s not just about water, it’s also about money. It costs money to treat drinking water to DWR’s high standards; when no one is billed for the “lost” water, those costs are absorbed into operating costs, which ultimately come from ratepayers. Why does it matter if water is leaking from the system? ” Lost” water does more than impact the bottom line. Leaks can also take a toll on the treatment plants and pumps that send the water into the dis
