Analysis and assessment of water losses in urban water distribution network: a case study of the Kribi water distribution network, Cameroon (Central Africa)

This paper analyses and assesses water losses in the Kribi Water Distribution Network (KWDN) in order to constructively feed the debate on the most effective ways to reduce water losses in urban water distribution networks in Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis of water losses was conducted based on numerous indices (failure intensity index, percentage ratio of water loss, and unit water loss per capita) and indices recommended by the International Water Association (real leakage balance, non-revenue water basic, and infrastructure leakage index). The results show that the failure intensity index increased significantly from 0.15 in 2010 to 0.31 in 2017, while the water loss indices have achieved a medium performance. The unit water loss performed well in 2013, 2015, and 2017. The Non-Revenue Water Basic Index was above the threshold for well-performing at 23% between 2010 and 2017. The real leakage balance (RLB) index indicated that the KWDN performed well (RLB