Utilities turn to digital monitoring as ageing water infrastructure strains under pressure

Water utilities across Europe are facing mounting pressure as ageing infrastructure, climate risks and rising operational costs strain existing systems.

A report by Smartvatten found that nearly 772 million litres of water were lost to leakages across monitored European properties over one year.

The loss is equivalent to more than 300 Olympic swimming pools and cost at least £2.6 million.

Many European pipe networks are more than 100 years old. Hidden leaks in ageing pipelines can remain undetected for days, increasing non-revenue water and operational costs.

Utilities have often responded by “sweating” legacy assets, a strategy that maximises the lifespan of existing infrastructure rather than replacing it. However, growing demand and extreme weather are pushing this approach to its limits.

Instead, many operators are turning to digital monitoring tools that provide real-time insights into network performance.

Smartvatten’s report highlights how data-driven monitoring can help identify leaks earlier and improve water efficiency. The shift reflects a broader move from reactive maintenance towards proactive infrastructure management.

Acoustic leak detection technologies are playing a key role in this transition. Ovarro’s Enigma5 fixed acoustic logger continuously monitors pressurised water networks and listens for high-frequency signals created by developing leaks.

In Hamar, Norway, the system detected a leak releasing 600 cubic metres of water per day before visible signs appeared.

The financial loss was estimated at £2,350 per day, or nearly £870k per year.

By identifying problems earlier, utilities can reduce emergency repairs, avoid service disruptions and better plan long-term infrastructure investment.

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