Prijedor Water Supply Project, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Non Revenue Water (NRW) is water that has been produced but does not generate revenue for a water utility. This is the result of both real losses (through leaks or physical losses) and apparent losses (for example through theft, metering inaccuracies or unpaid water bills). High levels of NRW are detrimental to the financial viability of water utilities, as well as to the water quality itself. NRW is typically measured as the volume of water "lost" as a share of net water produced. While losses cannot totally be avoided (typical values for are between 10% and 20%), lack of maintenance and poor willingness to pay can lead in countries like to NRW of 50% or more.

Upon the request of the Municipality of Prijedor, Switzerland is supporting the rehabilitation and extension of the water supply infrastructure in Prijedor and its surrounding villages with a population of about 70'000 inhabitants and returnees. The region suffers from deteriorated water supply infrastructure leading to high values of NRW, putting the population’s health at risk and hindering the development of the local economy.

The project includes the connection of new water sources, the rehabilitation and extension of the network, the construction of new reservoirs and pumping stations as well as the strengthening of the water utility by implementing business planning and modern billing and accounting procedures. These measures lead to a significant reduction of the NRW and lay the basis for a sustainable supply of drinking water. The project is jointly implemented by the consultant team consisting of EBP, Uli Lippuner aqualog and Institut za Vode.