Apparent losses (commercial losses)

Apparent losses are not due to physical leakage but result from inefficiencies or errors in the measurement and billing of water, including:

• Meter inaccuracies. Water meters can either over-register or under-register flow, depending on the rate of water movement. Meters that are incorrectly sized may not accurately reflect actual water usage. The accuracy of a meter is influenced by its design, measurement technology, and the chemical or mineral content of the water. Over time, mechanical meters degrade, especially at low flow rates, leading to increased measurement errors—particularly in older or oversized meters.

• Unauthorized consumption. This includes any unbilled water usage that should be accounted for, such as illegal connections or meter tampering. These activities result in water being consumed without proper billing.

• Data handling errors. Mistakes in data collection, transfer, or processing can lead to billing inaccuracies. This includes missed meter readings or errors in recording consumption data. Such issues result in lost revenue that would otherwise be collected through accurate billing.