Water lost in theft and waste contributes to 15% of total consumption.

Explanation:
Water loss through theft and waste is a major concern in many parts of the world. It is estimated that 15% of total water consumption is lost due to theft and waste. This means that for every 100 units of water consumed, 15 units are lost due to theft and waste. This loss not only impacts the availability of water for consumption but also affects the quality of water available for use.

Factors contributing to water loss
There are various factors that contribute to water loss through theft and waste, including:

1. Aging infrastructure: Older water systems are more prone to leaks and other issues that contribute to water loss.

2. Poor maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance and repairs can lead to leaks and other issues that cause water loss.

3. Illegal connections: Illegal connections to water systems are a common source of water theft.

4. Poor metering: Inaccurate metering can lead to undetected water loss, which can contribute to higher levels of theft and waste.

Impacts of water loss
Water loss through theft and waste has several negative impacts, including:

1. Reduced availability: Water loss reduces the amount of water available for use, which can lead to shortages and rationing.

2. Higher costs: Water loss increases the cost of providing water services, which can lead to higher prices for consumers.

3. Lower quality: Water that is lost through theft and waste is often contaminated, which can lead to health issues for consumers.

4. Environmental impacts: Water loss can also have negative environmental impacts, such as reduced water availability for ecosystems and wildlife.

Addressing water loss
To address water loss through theft and waste, it is important to invest in infrastructure upgrades and improvements, as well as regular maintenance and repairs. Additionally, better metering and monitoring can help to identify and address water loss issues more quickly. Finally, efforts to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the negative impacts of water loss can also help to reduce theft and waste.