Wisconsin recognizes World Water Loss Day

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) joined water utilities and water conservation groups nationwide Dec. 4, in recognizing World Water Loss Day. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the significant challenges of water losses from drinking water distribution systems.

In addition, to help sustain natural and financial resourc- enue for 26.7 billion gallons of that water produced.

These gallons translate to a loss of approximately $92 million from leaks, main and service line breaks, and utility operations.

“It is important we continue improving our water distribution systems to help keep the services offered more effi cient and customer bills affordable,” said PSC chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq.

Currently, the PSC oversees more than 575 drinking water and wastewater (sanitary sewer) utilities across the state. To help utilities address aging infrastructure and regulatory compliance needs, the commission has authorized water supply, treatment, storage, and distribution and transmission projects throughout the state.

These projects have increased capacity and improved water quality, public safety, system reliability and business effi ciency.

In addition, the commission approves utilities’ requests to cash fund water main replacements that will reduce disruptions, financial losses and water quality concerns because of es locally, the PSC’s Water Loss Control Initiative requires utilities to report annually on their water system efficiency and take actions to reduce their water losses where necessary.

According to 2020 PSC Annual Reports, Wisconsin water utilities pumped, treated and distributed approximately 178.2 billion gallons of water. However, utilities did not collect rev- water main breaks.