From Water Loss to Smart Control: How KWASA Transformed Its Network with GeoViewer
- Michael Samuel
- Nov 5
- 4 min read
Transforming water management through data, visibility, and collaboration.
In the heart of Bangladesh, the Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (KWASA) faced one of the most persistent challenges in the global water industry— Non-Revenue Water (NRW). High water losses, manual processes, and limited visibility made it difficult to ensure reliable service and financial sustainability.
Through a transformative partnership with Nobel Systems, KWASA adopted the GeoViewer platform, a cloud-based GIS and field operations solution, to digitize its network, monitor water flow in real time, and dramatically reduce water loss.
The result is a powerful example of how data-driven innovation can empower utilities to become more efficient, transparent, and customer-focused.
The Challenge: Tackling Non-Revenue Water
Like many utilities in developing regions, KWASA faced significant operational inefficiencies. In 2009, the organization reported an NRW rate of 37%, meaning more than one-third of treated water never reached customers due to leaks, unauthorized consumption, and data inaccuracies.
Compounding this were manual billing systems, unmetered connections, and limited access to accurate pipeline information— all of which hindered both service reliability and cost recovery.
With a growing population of more than 1.1 million residents, reducing NRW became not just a technical objective but a mission-critical necessity for sustainability.
The Digital Solution: GeoViewer and Integrated Systems
To address these challenges, KWASA turned to Nobel Systems’ GeoViewer, a powerful, real-time GIS and operational platform designed for water utilities.
Through close collaboration, KWASA implemented a suite of digital tools that together transformed their water network management:
GIS-Based Network Mapping: Digitized the entire water distribution network to visualize pipelines, reservoirs, and assets in real time.
District Metered Areas (DMAs): Created hydraulically isolated zones to measure and manage water losses at a granular level.
SCADA Integration: Enabled continuous monitoring of flow, pressure, and turbidity across water treatment and distribution systems.
GeoViewer Mobile App: Empowered field staff and even customers to report leaks, illegal connections, and outages instantly.
Digital Billing & Metering: Shifted from manual billing to a fully digital, app-based system, ensuring 100% metered connections and accurate data collection.
Together, these tools provided KWASA with unprecedented operational visibility— turning raw data into actionable insights for smarter decision-making.
Implementation: From Data to Action
KWASA’s transformation began with a clear roadmap. The utility divided its network into District Metered Areas (DMAs), each containing between 500 and 3,000 connections. These smaller zones allowed engineers to analyze consumption, isolate leaks, and monitor performance more precisely.
With support from Nobel Systems’ technical experts, KWASA’s teams were trained to use GeoViewer for asset mapping, meter data validation, and incident reporting. The utility also conducted house-to-house surveys to verify customer databases and eliminate unregistered or unbilled connections— a key step toward transparency.
At the same time, SCADA systems were deployed to capture live data from treatment plants and pumping stations, linking it directly to the GeoViewer dashboard for instant visibility.
Results: Real Impact, Measurable Success
The transformation produced remarkable results.
According to KWASA’s official presentation (Non-Revenue Water Management, JICA Training 2019), the utility achieved substantial operational improvements within just a few years.
Performance Indicator | 2009 (Before GeoViewer) | 2024 (After Implementation) |
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) | 37% | 18–20% (as low as 9–10% in DMA zones) |
Metered Connections | 0% | 100% |
Billing System | Manual | Fully digital with smart metering |
Population Served | 0.2 million | 1.1 million |
Pipeline Network | 227 km | 708 km |
Surface Water Supply | 0% | 70% |
Through GeoViewer, KWASA’s teams gained real-time awareness of network conditions. Leaks were detected faster, unauthorized connections were identified, and maintenance workflows became data-driven.
The result:
Fewer losses
Improved revenue recovery
More reliable water supply for the community
How GeoViewer Made a Difference
KWASA highlighted several key advantages of using the GeoViewer platform:
Transparency and Traceability: Each report, from leaks to illegal connections, is geo-tagged and time-stamped for accountability.
Field Efficiency: Technicians use mobile devices to update repairs, upload photos, and sync data instantly.
Public Engagement: Residents can report leaks directly through the app, turning the public into partners in water conservation.
Data Accuracy: The digital system minimizes human error and ensures consistent updates across departments.
What once took weeks to detect and resolve can now be managed in hours; a testament to the power of connected infrastructure.
Key Insights from KWASA's Digital Journey
KWASA’s experience underscores a vital truth:
Digital transformation is not only about adopting new technology — it’s about enabling better decisions and empowering people.
Key takeaways from their journey include:
1. Accurate data is the foundation for effective NRW management.
2. Field mobility and community engagement accelerate results.
3. GIS and SCADA integration create powerful, end-to-end visibility.
4. Collaboration between utilities and technology providers drives sustainable impact.
Driving the Future of Smart Water Management
KWASA’s success story demonstrates how strategic partnerships and digital innovation can drive measurable progress in water management.
By leveraging GeoViewer, the utility transformed from reactive maintenance to proactive asset management— improving efficiency, transparency, and public trust.
At Nobel Systems, we’re proud to support utilities like KWASA in achieving their sustainability and service goals. Together, we’re proving that smart technology can make every drop count.
Source: Md. Abdur Razzak, “Non-Revenue Water Management” [unpublished PowerPoint presentation], Khulna Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (KWASA), JICA Training Programme, Japan, 2019.
Summarized from the presentation.
About Nobel Systems
Nobel Systems, Inc. is a leader in Cloud GIS and Smart Utility Solutions, delivering innovative mapping technology, data services, and strategic consulting to support sustainable public service operations. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Redlands, California, Nobel Systems, Inc. serves clients across the United States and internationally.
Learn more at www.nobel-systems.com
