Tackling Non-Revenue Water (NRW): A smarter path for US utilities

Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is one of the most pressing challenges facing US water utilities today. Put simply, NRW refers to water that’s treated and distributed but doesn’t generate revenue for the utility. This happens due to leaks, theft, or inefficiencies in the system. With an estimated 10-30% of water lost through leaks, inefficiencies, and theft, the cost is staggering—not just financially but environmentally and operationally. Annually, 2.1 trillion gallons of treated water are wasted, adding strain to an already resource-challenged sector.

Beyond the financial cost, this wasted water strains resources, increases operational expenses, and damages public trust. The challenge can feel overwhelming—but there’s a solution. By using smarter, tech-driven approaches, utilities can tackle NRW head-on and make real progress. 

This is where FYLD comes in.

Revolutionizing water management with FYLD

FYLD is an AI-powered platform designed to transform how utilities operate. It provides real-time insights, predictive analytics, and seamless communication tools to help utilities work smarter, reduce waste, and meet their goals. Here’s how FYLD addresses the key issues surrounding NRW:

1. Operational efficiency: Achieving more with less

Many utility providers don’t realize that the manual workflows they rely on are outdated and are a major source of delays, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs. To stay ahead in an evolving industry, embracing streamlined, technology-driven solutions is critical. FYLD is at the forefront of this shift, using AI-driven tools to eliminate operational bottlenecks and foster seamless collaboration.

By transforming traditional risk assessments into video risk assessments, utilities unlock a more dynamic and precise way to evaluate hazards. Video risk assessments capture a real-time, visual record of site conditions, enabling teams to clearly see potential risks rather than relying on written descriptions that may miss crucial details. This approach ensures risks are fully understood and addressed before work begins, reducing the likelihood of accidents or delays. Combined with real-time remote triaging, video assessments empower utilities to allocate resources more effectively, prioritize tasks with confidence, and plan for right-first-time job execution. 

With access to precise, up-to-date site information, teams can operate with confidence, knowing they’re prepared to execute tasks safely and efficiently.

2. Real-time insights: Bridging the data gap

Inaccurate or incomplete data has long been a challenge in addressing Non-Revenue Water (NRW). Utilities cannot afford to make critical decisions based on outdated information, especially in today’s resource-constrained environment. FYLD’s real-time analytics bridge this gap by providing instant updates on job progress, site conditions, and predictive AI assessments to identify hazards and ensure compliance.

Our most recent case study highlights how this level of efficiency helped one of our clients achieve the following results in just 12 weeks:

• ~80% reduction in cost for applicable leakage volumes, resulting in a total savings of £1.35 million (over $1.7m USD)
• 35% reduction in average leakage run time, saving an average of 1.4 days per leak
• 15% reduction in re-work, significantly minimizing the need for additional labor resources

Our holistic approach to data empowers utilities to act proactively, tackling issues before they escalate. With seamless communication between inspection, planning, and execution teams, decisions are no longer delayed by miscommunication or a lack of clarity. By closing the data gap, FYLD enables utilities to reduce water loss, lower operational costs, and strengthen overall resilience.

3. Sustainability and compliance: Rising to new challenges

The challenge of NRW extends beyond financial metrics—it is also an environmental issue of significant consequence. Wasted water exacerbates resource strain and increases the carbon footprint associated with its treatment and distribution. Utilities now face mounting regulatory pressures to reduce leakage, enhance service quality, and achieve sustainability targets.

FYLD’s platform is purpose-built to help utilities meet these demands. It enhances safety and compliance measures, minimizes risks, and supports regulatory requirements with evidence-based reporting. By reducing disruption and enabling effective conservation of resources, FYLD not only addresses immediate challenges but also helps utilities align with long-term sustainability goals—creating measurable benefits for communities and the environment alike.

4. Financial impact: Protecting revenue, reducing costs

For utilities, every gallon of NRW is a lost opportunity—representing both wasted resources and unrealized revenue. In an industry where raising rates is not always an option, operational efficiency becomes the most viable path to financial stability.

FYLD equips utilities with the tools they need to prevent resource loss and optimize costs with ease. This includes reducing water loss, accelerating job completion to avoid fines and penalties, and optimizing resource allocation to save both time and money. The platform enables utilities to not only manage costs but also improve operational outcomes, ensuring that financial resources are used where they’re needed most.

FYLD’s holistic approach to tackling NRW combines innovation, practicality, and foresight, allowing utilities to reimagine their operations for a more sustainable, efficient, and financially resilient future.

Empowering utilities for a smarter future

The future of water management lies in innovation and collaboration. By adopting FYLD’s AI-powered solution, utilities can transform the way they address NRW, turning challenges into opportunities for growth, sustainability, and improved public trust.

Imagine this: fewer leaks, safer jobs, happier customers, and a more sustainable approach to water management. That’s what FYLD delivers—a smarter, more sustainable approach to water management.

Ready to make an impact?

The time to act is now. Non-Revenue Water is a challenge that demands smarter solutions. With FYLD, US water utilities can create a more efficient, accountable, and resilient future for their communities.

Let’s tackle NRW together—one leak at a time.

Book a free demo with FYLD and discover how we can revolutionize your operations today.