In 2019, WIFA, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), completed Phase 2 of its Water Loss Control Program. The program utilized the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Program for Water Audits and Loss Control Programs; as the industry's best practice for water loss accounting, otherwise known as the M36 methodology. The purpose of the Water Loss Control Program is to provide utilities with a foundational understanding of the M36 methods, how to apply the technique, and how water audit data can improve water loss performance at the utility level.

 Cavanaugh, a nationally recognized expert in the M36 methodology, was selected to conduct the M36 methodology training and metrics validation process for the pilot and Phase 2.

 Research shows that without validation, a systematic error can cause many water audits to be unreliable and leads to unintentional, erroneous system management. The M36 methodology expresses metrics in terms of validity, volume, and value for each water loss sub-component. The M36 approach stresses validity as the most important of these metrics, and the program includes a unique validation process. 

 WIFA would like to thank the Bureau of Reclamation's Water Resources Department for generously funding the purchase of the supplemental training materials.

 Arizona Water Loss Control Webpage