A 2025 study in the UK revealed that the country loses the equivalent of 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools of drinking water every day due to leaks and ageing infrastructure. In a world where increasingly frequent droughts and extreme weather events make it harder to guarantee a stable and reliable water supply, technology has become a vital ally in improving the efficiency of sanitation and distribution networks. In this article, we highlight some of the latest innovations helping to monitor and protect infrastructure that often remains invisible to the average city dweller.
Technological solutions that safeguard every drop of water
Progress in the sector spans both software—such as artificial intelligence and big data—and hardware, including robotics, sensors and IoT-based technologies.
Robotic inspectors supporting sewerage networks
One example comes from northern Spain, where ACCIONA has deployed drones and robotic dogs to inspect Bilbao’s sewer network, starting with a pilot across eleven kilometres of pipes. The drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras, while the robotic dogs boast 360-degree vision and artificial intelligence, enabling them to detect blockages, leaks and structural defects even in hard-to-reach areas.
These technologies not only improve the accuracy of inspections but also enhance safety by reducing the need for human operators to enter hazardous environments. They provide real-time data, allow potential faults to be identified early, and help optimise resources — all of which contributes to more efficient and sustainable maintenance.
Joey, pipe inspections on wheels
A similar initiative, though at an earlier stage of development and focused on water distribution systems, is the Joey robot. This small autonomous vehicle weighs just 70 grams and uses rotating legs to move through pipes, identifying leaks or structural issues along the way. Joey forms part of Pipebots, a collaborative project involving UK universities and water providers, which envisions swarms of robots eventually being deployed by a larger “mother” robot known as Kanga.
Acoustic sensors that detect leaks in real-time
Robots and drones are not the only tools making a difference. One particularly effective solution in the UK involves acoustic sensors installed along water distribution networks. One utility has placed more than 24,000 of these sensors across 15,000 kilometres of pipework, cutting water losses by 15%—the equivalent of 17 million litres saved each day. These sensors detect minute changes in the sound of flowing water, allowing leaks to be identified the moment they occur.
The countless applications of AI
As noted, innovation in water management is not limited to hardware. Artificial intelligence offers wide-ranging applications in the sector. We recommend this article, which explores how AI can help reduce chemical use in water treatment, predict leaks before they happen, and improve energy efficiency in water pumping systems.
Digital twins for infrastructure (and rivers)
Another software-driven solution, supported by IoT sensors, is the use of digital twins. These virtual models replicate sanitation infrastructure and enable monitoring, simulations and interventions using AI and immersive reality tools. In addition to use in built infrastructure, digital twins of rivers can be developed to forecast flooding and manage other river-related risks.
If you are interested in learning more about the potential of digital twins, check out this in-depth article on their features and applications.
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