The industry is progressively concerned about water losses and availability. The expansion of smart networks is gaining momentum, yet comprehensive visibility and real-time leakage detection remain limited. The next few years will be challenging for many utilities, with key factors including distribution efficiency, reduced operational costs, water price and availability, regulatory sustainability requirements, ESG targets, independence from outdated infrastructure, and the ability to position themselves as reliable and resilient service providers for the future.
How Utilities Are Reducing Leakage
Simply replacing pipes will not be enough soon. For utilities, water management is about more than the flow through mains. Non-Revenue Water, hidden leakages, pressure losses, and unmetered usage can be managed more efficiently, and in the future, they will form part of a smarter network that also supports households and municipal facilities. At the same time, data collection, visualization, and predictive analytics are gaining importance. For many operators, “invisible” water losses from small leaks or faulty valves continue to go largely unnoticed. Modern sensors, remote monitoring systems, and AI-based algorithms are helping to reduce losses in critical areas. There is also a growing market demand for digital water management systems, along with new business models such as dynamic leakage control. The prerequisite is data transparency. At the same time, utilities are emerging as part of the broader digital infrastructure. Fleet vehicles and maintenance crews are now integrated into predictive work management systems, enabling interventions to be more proactive and effective. What industries achieved with connected machines is now urgently needed for connected water networks.
The Way Forward: Leakage Reduction
Networking between water distribution systems and utility operations is increasing, with different communication standards and technical requirements on both sides. The digitalization of water utilities remains a challenge for both operators and policymakers. At the same time, new and evolving technologies are emerging. Digital twins of pipeline networks are entering operations and show strong potential for double-digit savings in leakage reduction and asset management.
Today, utilities still rely on manual inspection and fragmented SCADA systems, which provide limited visibility. In contrast, integrated digital platforms connect sensors, meters, and control systems to close information gaps, enabling some leak detection and maintenance needs to be anticipated and automated. This results in fewer service disruptions, greater flexibility, and stronger resilience. Along with smart metering and remote sensing, predictive modeling of pressure zones and water demand patterns plays a vital role in advancing the digital water system.
