It has become quite apparent ...

It has become quite apparent over the years that governments generally neglect water issues until weather and/or infrastructure problems causes water flows to lessen.  Then there is some initial discussion -- and the matter is shoved under the rug / lost in legislation until the next water crisis...

Average distribution leakage loss in cities in older water main infrastructures commonly exceeds 20% -- yet no proactive actions are taken until surface water and potholes become visible. 

All quality management systems, e.g. ISO 9000, ASME NQA-1, MIL-I-45208, etc., absolutely require calibration as the basis for all measurements.  That's why we have standards laboratories.  But do any of you water experts know of a single water distribution utility that has a calibration facility that can calibrate anything larger than common household meters?

Were good calibration facilities available and regular calibration of distribution mains practiced, then

• Water audits would be rigorous, rather than estimates
• Proactive detection of leakage would occur earlier, rather than detected as gushing water running down streets after years/decades of slow seepage
• Prioritization of leak repairs by rate of loss would be possible
• Costly attempts to find and/or develop "new water" would be minimized
• More water would be available -- and less costly

As the noted management authority Peter Drucker stated, "If you can't measure it, then you can't manage it."  This has the corollary that "Better measurement leads to better management" [of water resources].

It should be noted that the cost to implement low uncertainty flow calibration systems for large distribution / water main metering systems is typically less than the value of several months of water leakage losses in any large water distribution system.

Water distribution companies should seek the cooperation of their governments in funding the implementation of low uncertainty calibration facilities for their water distribution / main metering systems.  This would be the first truly rigorously based step towards good water management.