The Macao Water Supply Company Ltd. announced yesterday that it reduced its water loss rate to below 9 percent by the end of last year.

This was not only a record-breaking result in the local water supply industry but also a fulfilment of the company’s promise on water conservation to the government and local residents, said Felix Fan, executive director of Macao Water.

The water loss rate or non-revenue water refers to water that has been produced and is “lost” before it reaches the customer. That can happen due to leaks, malfunctioning water meters and illegal use.

Mr Fan also said that the successful implementation of the new water tariff system based on the water consumption of each tier and different sectors shows that awareness of water conservation is making its way in Macau.

He also quoted a satisfaction survey conducted by an unnamed independent third party in 2011 showing that 79 percent of Macao Water’s customers are satisfied with the company’s services.

Even so, Mr Fan admits the company is still facing difficulties like increasing operational costs and intense competition for labour.