Análise das perdas nos sistemas de distribuição de água da CAER em Boa Vista/RR

Abstract

The growing demand for efficiency in water resource management and the need to reduce losses in supply systems have highlighted the importance of individualized consumption metering. In Boa Vista, state of Roraima, approximately 30% of households served by the Companhia de Águas e Esgotos de Roraima – CAER do not have water meters, which compromises both billing accuracy and the company’s operational indicators. This study aims to analyze the impacts of the absence of micro metering on water loss indices and to propose strategies to improve CAER's tariff policy. A quantitative and empirical approach was adopted, based on data from 98 households that received water meters, allowing a comparison between real consumption and the fixed value of 10 m³ per month used as the minimum billing reference for unmetered households. Two timeframes were analyzed: three months and twelve months after meter installation. The results showed that the average actual consumption per household remained stable and consistently above the volume considered by the company. Underestimation of consumption generated an average annual surplus of over 90 m³ per household, resulting in significant apparent losses. When multiplicated to the 25,000 households without individualized metering in Boa Vista, it is estimated that more than two million m³ of water are consumed and not billed annually, representing a potential financial loss of over BRL 14 million per year from water alone, which could exceed BRL 25 million when including sewerage fees. The analysis of consumption behavior revealed variations among reduction, increase, and stability, indicating that installing meters alone does not guarantee lower consumption, although it is essential for fair billing and loss control. As a result of this research, a technical note was prepared recommending the revision of the minimum consumption value considered by CAER, aiming to align the tariff structure with actual consumption patterns, reduce operational losses, and promote greater financial balance and fairness in the billing system.