Tapping into AI to reduce water leaks and losses

A data analysis platform is using AI to help utility companies track factors affecting water loss

Spotted: Across developing countries, around 45 million cubic metres of water per day are lost, largely due to leaks. This is not only wasteful of a precious resource, but it also affects the bottom line for utility companies, leaving them with less money to invest in infrastructure improvements.

SmartTerra, a startup focusing on water utilities, is working to change this. The company supplies utilities with artificial intelligence-powered (AI) data analytics to help enhance the efficiency of water distribution systems. The company’s platform performs analysis of network-wide multi-sensor data, to find abnormal flow or pressure behaviour, such as from leaks and bursts.

The system can also pinpoint leaks using automated hydraulic calibration and analyse meter and consumption behaviour to spot meter under-sizing, meter reading errors, abnormal consumption, and other issues. By performing continuous high-level tracking of loss and system stresses, SmartTerra helps companies forecast demand, reduce water loss, and improve revenue.

SmartTerra is funded by urban accelerator AcceliCITY. It has also recently won an INR 10 million prize (around €111,000) from the Ashirvad Water Challenge. The Challenge is a joint initiative between Ashirvad Pipes and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. It is aimed at supporting innovative solutions addressing water challenges. SmartTerra will use the funds to expand its reach to more utility companies. 

Accelerating climate change is leading to greater unpredictability of droughts and floods. As a result, Springwise has spotted several innovations aimed at saving water use. These include a shower that recycles water and a low-cost device that reduces hotel bathroom water use.

Written By: Lisa Magloff