The phrase "net drain" means that someone or something is taking more from a situation or resource than they are giving back. It implies a negative impact on the overall balance or result. Full definition
Housing will be a small net drain on activity this year, according to the MPR, reflecting the negative impact of tighter mortgage restrictions and the rise in mortgage rates (loanbox.ca)
Finance Minister Bill Morneau conceded Monday that an array of new tax adjustments will have an annual net drain on the federal treasury of about $ 1.2 billion in each of the next five years, starting in 2016 - 17. (moneysense.ca)
The Federal Open Market Committee and the European Central Bank are not only no longer offering a combined stimulus, they are a net drain on liquidity for the first time since stimulus was first introduced by former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. (cnbc.com)