In its continued efforts to tackle the matter of non-revenue water in light of climate change, WASCO proudly hosts a Regional Training on the Demand and Distribution of Water. This training, which forms a part of the CATS-supported consultancy on Institutional and Organisational Strengthening of WASCO and Regional Water Utilities, is implemented by experts of the CONSULAQUA-COMO Consortium.
The four-day training, taking place from July 1st to 4th 2019, brings together almost 20 technicians and hands-on experts from a total of six regional utilities: Belize Water Services (BWS), Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO), Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA, St. Vincent and the Grenadines), National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA, Grenada), National Water Commission (NWC, Jamaica) and the Water and Sewerage Company Saint Lucia (WASCO).
The training will introduce the participants to a multitude of topics related to non-revenue water reduction: calculation of a water balance and requirements to gather required data; the benefits, definition and creation of District Metered Areas (DMAs); demand analysis and forecasting for future planning; and the hydraulic analysis, design and evaluation of water transportation systems. The knowledge and information conveyed through theoretical input will be further augmented through practical group exercises and a field trip to WASCOs Pilot Implementation Zone in Babonneau, in the northern part of the island.
It is expected that this training will increase the understanding, acceptance and application of techniques and enhance the practical skills of the participants in relation to technical and commercial water losses. Their participation is supposed to empower and motivate them to actively apply the knowledge obtained in their daily work. To further distribute the knowledge amongst the utilities, the participants will be acting as “ambassadors” and share their newly obtained knowledge with their colleagues.
Finally, the training serves as platform for the participants to connect with their colleagues from other utilities, share experiences, ideas and lessons learned. Ultimately, this connection strengthens the relationships between the utilities and the individuals and brings the water sector in the region closer together.