PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING RESEARCH INTO FLOW-RATE, PATTERN OF WATER-CONSUMPTION AND UNACCOUNTED-FOR WATER LOSSES IN URBAN AREAS

Research undertaken into flow rates and fallibility of domestic water meters within the Pretoria Municipality revealed many unforeseen probl ems relating to the isolation of reticulation zones and the unreliabil ity of meter readings. The original aim of the project was consequentl y not achieved and the more significant of the many problems encounter ed are discussed. It is concluded that improved water management relat ing to the establishment of updated records of current systems is esse ntial. The unreliability of the installed domestic meters is emphasize d