EWA sets 23% water loss target by 2032 under updated plan

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain aims to reduce water loss to 23 per cent by 2032 under a new Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) plan set to begin in 2026.

The authority is preparing a master plan for water demand with a specialist consultant, reviewing the state of the network and factors affecting loss. The current 15 per cent target will be reassessed, with updated measures introduced in the first quarter of 2026. The EWA is enhancing tracking of the transmission network, upgrading meters, strengthening billing checks, and addressing illegal water use. Since mid-2022, unresolved illegal connections have been referred to the Public Prosecution, backed by draft amendments to the electricity sector law.

An updated register of all flow meters, including installation dates, will support a staged replacement plan starting in 2026, prioritising technical assessment and efficiency. Routine testing ensures meters meet standards, while faulty or hard-to-replace meters are managed case by case. Manual readings are taken where telecom issues affect meters.

The authority is also improving billing systems for closed accounts, tightening controls on unusually high bills, and tracking staff actions for a clear audit trail. Smart meters, first adopted in Muharraq in 2012, have improved accuracy and are being expanded.

Technical updates in 2024 to distribution materials, early leak detection, and monthly monitoring of district metered areas all contribute to water-loss management. Procurement of meters continues through public tenders, with ongoing reviews for alternative technologies. The EWA said rectifying illegal extensions is minor compared to losses from illegal consumption, and routine maintenance extends meter service life to 20 years.