Introducing the Combined Real Loss Indicator (CRLI)

The CRLI is a “new” indicator of unit real loss volume, which has multiple advantages, including the following. The CRLI • is easy to calculate from a standard water loss audit, • does not require pressure data (which is often hard to determine accurately) • is accurate over a very wide range of connection densities • is accurate for comparison of different utilities or over time in different utilities. • facilitates performance assessment, target setting and real loss monitoring, in numerical or graphical formats. • Has a very high technical rigor, when assessed using Frontier Analysis. The CRLI concept has been applied in the Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the USA, on a pilot basis, for comprehensive evaluation. CRLI value has also been computed in Brazil, Chile, and Portugal, with plausible results.

Alan Wyatt / Dave Pearson