The Public Utility Commission Thursday sought comments on an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for regulations regarding unaccounted-for water (Docket No. L-2012-2319361).

The Commission voted 5-0 to seek comments on revisions to regulations regarding unaccounted-for-water or, whether it is necessary for the Commission to adopt new regulations regarding the implementation of the International Water Association/American Water Works Association Water Audit methodology.

On January 27, 2012, the Commission formally adopted the Water Audit methodology and directed all water utilities earning more than $1 million in annual revenue to file the annual Water Audit summaries no later than April 30 of each year.

Under consideration is whether the Commission should revise its existing regulations regarding unaccounted-for-water, or, whether it is necessary to adopt new regulations regarding the Water Audit methodology.

Interested parties may submit comments up to 60 days from the date the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin by contacting the PUC Secretary, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg , PA 17105-3265. 

The Water Audit program is designed to enhance companies’ tracking of levels of unaccounted-for water, which is water that is lost between the treatment plant and sale to customers.  Causes of unaccounted-for water include underground leakage, inaccurate billing information and unauthorized use. 

The Water Audit provides an effective, standardized structure by guiding the water utility to quantify apparent and real loss volumes in a systemized approach and assigning cost impacts to the losses. The program goal is to further overall infrastructure reliability, help preserve water resources, limit water leakage, and enhance customer service.

1/28/2013