AWWA DSS54630

This paper discusses Best Management Practices (BMP) concerning water audit and leak detection programs adopted by the California Urban Water Conservation Council. The State of California Department of Water Resources, California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC), US Bureau of Reclamation, and the Sacramento Water Forum all require water providers to report water audit and leak detection efforts. The paper also discusses how additional emphasis was added in 2000 when the CALFED Bay-Delta Program initiated programs to ensure water quality and water supply reliability while restoring the ecosystem of the Bay-Delta System. The 155 utility members of the CUWCC were asked to report progress of water audit and leak detection programs during the fall of 2000. The data reflects the status of efforts to reduce system losses by utilities serving approximately 45 percent of California's population. Includes 11 references, table, figures.