India, Jan. 5 -- Of the 15,600km water supply network in the Capital, nearly 18% is more than three decades old and in need for replacement, according to a report by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Ageing pipes are prone to cracks and leaks that can raise the likelihood of water contamination. Concerns over water supplies in cities are in focus after contaminated water in Madhya Pradesh's Indore killed at least 10 people.

"There is 2,800km (17.94%) of network which is more than 30 years old," the report, accessed by HT, said. It further noted that at least half of the water (50-52%) is non-revenue water (NRW), unaccounted for due to non-metered connections, punctured pipes, thefts and leakages. NRW can cause significant financial and resource...