Smart metering implementation for enabling Water Conservation and water demand management: An investigation in Gauteng, South Africa

Due to water scarcity and growth demand, the provision of water of good quality and quantity is essential to utilities in urban areas. Gauteng municipalities in South Africa obtain water from the Vaal River system. The water demand exceeds the supply there-of. Between 36-40 % of the water is Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in the municipalities and is a source for great concern. A research study was conducted and it focused mainly on Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WC/WDM) in municipalities. The aim of this study was to establish if there are policies and strategies in place that are being implemented to reduce NRW at the municipalities. A survey questionnaire was developed and sent to municipal officials. The WC/WDM implementations are taking place but it can be assumed to have very little effect on the overall NRW as it remains high. The municipal officials indicated it is critical that water utilities adopt smart metering technology and can be used to reduce NRW. Pre-paid metering is already in use in some of the municipalities.