What is a water loss investigation designed to do?

A water loss investigation is primarily focused on identifying and quantifying unaccounted for water within a distribution system. This process involves systematic monitoring and analysis of the water supply to determine how much water is being produced and how much is actually reaching customers. By identifying discrepancies in the amounts, professionals can pinpoint areas where water may be leaking or not being utilized effectively, thus allowing for improvements in efficiency and reductions in water loss.

This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the water distribution system and ensuring that resources are managed effectively. It helps in not only detecting physical leaks but may also involve analyzing records and conducting surveys to ensure that all components of the system are accounted for. Therefore, understanding the extent of water loss can aid in planning maintenance, enhancing service delivery, and optimizing operational costs.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a water loss investigation. While inspecting water quality and auditing customer bills may be important tasks within water management, they do not specifically address the systematic assessment of unaccounted water. Similarly, measuring groundwater levels pertains to resource management rather than the distribution system's operational efficiency.